A STUDY ON WETLAND PLANTS IN WARD I AND II OF

CHAZHOOR PANCHAYATH, THRISSUR DISTRICT, KERALA.

Dissertation submitted to

CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) IRINJALAKUDA

(Affiliated to University of Calicut)

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BOTANY

UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT

Submitted by

ATHIRA N.J.

Reg no: CCATMBT007

Under the guidance of,

SABEENA A.M

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) IRINJALAKUDA

JUNE 2021
 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) IRINJALAKUDA

(Affiliated to University of Calicut & Nationally Accredited with A grade)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “A study on wetland plants in ward I and II
of Chazhoor Panchayath, Thrissur district, Kerala.” Submitted by Miss ATHIRA N.J
Reg. No. CCATMBT007 IVth semester M.Sc. Botany in partial fulfillment for the
award of degree Master of Science in Botany, Christ College (Autonomous),
Irinjalakuda is a bonafide record of the research work carried out by her under the
supervision and guidance of Sabeena.A.M, Guest lecturer, Department of Botany, Christ
College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda.

Irinjalakuda Prof.E.J.Vincent

Date: Coordinator

PG Department of Botany

Examiners:

1.

2.
 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) IRINJALAKUDA

(Affiliated to University of Calicut & Nationally Accredited with A grade)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “A study on wetland plants in ward I and II
of Chazhoor panchayath, Thrissur district, Kerala.” Submitted by Miss ATHIRA N.J.
th
Reg. No. CCATMBTOO7 IV semester M.Sc. Botany in partial fulfillment for the
award of degree Master of Science in Botany, Christ College (Autonomous),
Irinjalakuda is a bonafide record of the research work carried out by her under my
supervision and guidance, Department of Botany, Christ College (Autonomous),
Irinjalakuda.

Irinjalakuda SABEENA.A.M

Date: Supervising teacher

PG Department of Botany
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the dissertation work entitled “A study on wetland plants in ward I
and II of Chazhoor panchayath, Thrissur district, Kerala.” Submitted by
th
Miss ATHIRA N.J. Reg. No. CCATMBTOO7 IV semester M.Sc Botany in partial
fulfillment for the award of degree Master of Science in Botany, Christ College
(Autonomous), Irinjalakuda is a bonafide record of the research work carried out by her
under the supervision and guidance of Sabeena.A.M, Guest lecturer, Department of
Botany, Christ College(Autonomous), Irinjalakuda.

ATHIRA N.J.

Irinjalakuda

Date:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the Rev. Fr. Dr. Jolly Andrews CMI, Principal, Christ College
(Autonomous) Irinjalakuda for providing adequate facilities in carrying out this study.

I respectfully extend my sincere thanks to Dr.Tessy Paul P, Head of the Department of

Botany, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda for permitting me to complete the
work providing necessary facilities with the full support.

I also express my deep sense of thanks to Prof. E.J Vincent, Co-ordinator, PG Department
of Botany, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda and who has given valuable ideas
and throughout the course of completing the project.

This work was conducted under the guidance of Miss. Sabeena. A.M., Guest lecturer of
department of botany Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda. I am thankful to her,
for helping throughout the period of this work. I was immensely helped by her nature and
warm friendly attitude. Moreover I was quite relieved from the difficulties of this work by
her helpful approach.

I am deeply indebted to Prof. Jacob Abraham Pulikal for giving me the guidance for the
identification of plants. I also express my deep sense of thanks to Miss Sweety M.S and
Miss Sreelakshmi V.V, Faculties of Department of Botany, Christ College (Autonomous),
Irinjalakuda. Their critics were most helpful to me in all stages of this work. I also utilize
this opportunity to express my thanks to Mr. Antony Francis, lab assistant, Department of
Botany, Christ College (Autonomous) Irinjalakuda for his support and encouragement.

I thank our mighty God for helping me, giving me the ways for completing my work and
also good health and self confidence while doing the work.

I also utilize this opportunity to express my thanks to my dear friends for the corporation
and the ideas. Last but not least, I am indebted to my parents for their moral support and
encouragement.

ATHIRA N.J.
 INDEX

CONTENTS PAGE No.

1. INTRODUCTION 1-7

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 8

3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 9-13

4. STUDY AREA 14-17

5. MATERIALS AND METHODS 18

6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 19-111

7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 112

8. REFERENCES 113-117
 INTRODUCTION

Nature is blessed with biodiversity. Biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth. It
encompasses the 8 million species on the planet-from plants and animals to fungi and
bacteria; the ecosystems that house them; and the genetic diversity among them.
Biodiversity may be seen as an intricate web, in which each part is interdependent. When
one component is changedor removed-the entire system is affected, and this can produce
positive-or negative- consequences. More than 99 percent of all species that ever lived on
Earth are estimated to be extinct. Estimates on the number of Earth’s current species
range from 2 million to 1 trillion, of which about 1.74 million have been databased thus
far and over 80 percent have not yet been described. More recently, in May 2016,
scientists to be on Earth currently with only one-thousandth of one percent described.

India is also a vast repository of traditional knowledge associated with biological

resources. So far, over 91,200 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants have been
documented in the ten biogeographic regions of the country. India has a variety of
wetland ecosystems ranging from high altitude cold desert wetlands to hot and humid
wetlands in coastal zones with diverse flora and fauna.

Western Ghats of peninsular India is one of the eighteen ‘Global Hot Spots’ of
biodiversity. The diversity of climatic, edaphic and biotic regimes have shaped the
evolution of over 4000 taxa of angiosperms, 117 amphibians, 150 reptiles, 508 birds, 79
mammals and an unknown number of taxa from less studied groups. By virtue of its
unique location (sandwitched between the Arabian Sea on the west and Western Ghats on
the east), topography (ranging from the coastal lowlands to mountain regions intervened
by vast expanse of undulating midlands) and high rainfall, Kerala provides a wide variety
of aquatic habitats like rivers, streams, pools, ponds, lagoons, estuaries etc. harbouring
unique types of vegetation of their own.

The wetlands of Kerala are treated as sites of exceptional biodiversity in the country and
are characterized by several endemic species. The coastal plains have been ravaged since
early times of human habitation and most of the land is now used for housing and
agriculture. Even these disturbed habitats are potential location for rapid speciation has
been amply proved from the long list of new taxa discovered and described from here

1
during the last two decades. Increased trade and commercial activity has brought with it a
large number of aquatic and wetland weeds into this area

Wetlands are ecotones or transitional zones that occupy an intermediate position between
dry land and open water. Wetland ecosystems are dominated by the influence of water,
they possess characteristics of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and properties that
are uniquely of their own. These are area rich in water content with soggy ground,
pungent moist smell and lush green plants. Wetlands support a wide array of flora and
fauna and deliver many ecological, climatic, and societal functions. Scientists often refer
to wetlands as the “kidneys” of the Earth.

A wetland is distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally,

where oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from
other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted
to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of functions, including water
purification, water storage, processing of carbon and other nutrients, stabilization of
shorelines, and support of plants and animals. The water in wetlands is either freshwater,
brackish, or saltwater. The main wetland types are swamp, marsh, bog and fen; subtypes
include mangrove forest, carr, pocosin, floodplains, mire, vernal pool, sink, and many
others. Many peatlands are wetlands. Wetlands can be tidal (inundated by tides) or non-
tidal.

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2 February 1971

by UNESCO in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea,
which came in to force in 1975. Thus, though the name of the Convention is written
“Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)”, it has come to be known popularly as
the “Ramsar Convention”. The mission of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and
wise use of all wetlandscontribution towards achieving sustainable development
throughout the world. A Ramsar site is a wetland site designed of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention. According to them wetlands are defined as
areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated
plant and animal life. Under the text of the Convention (Article 1.1), wetlands are defined
as: “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or
temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of
marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. The Convention

2
recognizes five major wetland types, namely, marine, estuarine, lacustrine, riverine and
palustrine. Such areas may also be covered partially or completely by shallow pool of
water. They are generally distinguished from other water bodies based on their water
table levels and on the types of plants that thrive within them. Ramsar identifies wetlands
of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat. There are
currently over 2400 Ramsar sites around the world. A wetland can be considered
internationally important if any of the following nine criteria apply:

• “It contain a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural

wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region”
• “It supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened
ecological communities”
• “It supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining
the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region”
• “It supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or
provides refuge during adverse conditions”
• “It regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds”
• “It regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or
subspecies of waterbird”
• “It supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or
families, life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are
representative of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global
biological diversity”
• “It is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or
migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere,
depend”
• “It regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or
subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species”

The federal regulatory function of a wetland is used by the U.S army crops of engineering
(USACE) and the U.S environment protection protection agency (EPA) to implement the
dredge and fill permit system under section 404 of the federal clean water act (CWA).
According to thus definition, wetlands are: ‘those areas that are inundated or saturated by

3
surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, a prevalence of
vegetation typically for life in saturated soil condition’.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2. It is celebrated to raise

global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. This day also
marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the
Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. World Wetland Day (WWD)
was established for the first time in 1997 and has grown since then ‘wetlands for our
future: sustainable livelihood’ is the theme for world wetland day in 2006. Wetlands are
found throughout the world except in Antartica. The world has 7 to 9 million km2 of
wetland which is ~ 4 to 6% of the land surface. ~ 56% of the 4 to 6% of land surface is
found in the tropical and subtropical regions. World largest wetland is the Pantanal,
which covers 200,000 square kilometers (during the wet season) through Brazil,
Paraguay, Bolivia, although 80% of it is in Brazil. It is a land of flooded grasslands,
savannas and tropical forests.

The topography, climate and rainfall pattern of Indian subcontinent is very conductive for
the development of natural wetlands. Most of the wetlands in India are directly or
indirectly linked with major river systems such as Ganges, Cauvery, Krishna Godavari
and Tapti. According to the latest report in the World resources (2001-2002), India has a
total of 193000 hectare of area of designated Wetlands of International importance
(Ramsar Sites). Altogether about 19 wetlands are declared as Ramsar sites in the country.
India have totally 27,403 wetlands, of which 23,444 are inland wetlands and 3,959 are
coastal wetlands. According to directory of Asian wetlands (1989), wetlands occupy
18.4% of the country’s area, of which 70% are paddy cultivation, among them the largest
wetland in India is Sundarbans. Wetlands vary widely due to local and regional
differences in topography, hydrology, vegetation, and other factors including human
involvement. Generally wetlands are classified in to two general categories: marshes and
swamps. Marshes are defined as wetlands frequently or continually inundated with water,
characterized by emergent soft-stemmed vegetation adapted to saturated soil condition.
Swamps are dominated by herbaceous vegetation and are characterized by very wet soil
during the dry season and standing water during rainy season (Howard Williams and
Gandet, 1985).

4
Kerala is one of the green State of India and is well known for its wetlands. There are
about 217 wetland areas in Kerala and it account for as much as one fifth of the land area
of the State. The majority of wetlands are brackish, however, there are a few fresh water
wetlands also seen here. Three wetlands of Kerala, recently included in the Ramsar site
are the Vembanad- Kol, Ashtamudi and Sasthancotta. The unique wetland ecosystem of
Kerala includes marshy and water logged areas, vast polders with backwater and lakes.
The Thrissur Kole lands forms a unique aquatic ecosystem and are the rice granary of
Thrissur district, Kerala. The Kole lands of Thrissur are distributed in Mukundapuram,
Chavakkad and Thrissur taluks of Thrissur district. The kole lands of Thrissur are part of
one of the largest wetland systems on the south-west coast of India, namely Vembanad
Kol and has been declared in Ramsar Convention for protection.

Wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes:

• At least periodically the land supports predominantly hydrophytes

• The substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil
• The substrate is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during
the growing season of each year.

The most important factor producing wetlands is flooding. The duration of flooding or
prolonged soil saturation by groundwater determines whether the resulting wetland has
aquatic, marsh or swamp vegetation. Other important factors include fertility, natural
disturbance, competition, herbivory, burial and salinity. When peat accumulates, bogs and
fen arise. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems,
serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Different plant communities
may be found in different types of wetlands, with each species adapted to the local
hydrology (the quantity, distribution, and movement of water throughout a given area).
Wetland plants are often referred to as hydrophytes because they are specially adapted to
grow in soils. Many birds, insects, and other wildlife species are completely dependent on
wetlands for critical stages in their life cycles, while many other species make use of
wetlands for feeding, resting, or other life activities.

Wetland plants grows submerged in water, either partially (e. g. Water hyacinth) or
completely (e.g. Pond weeds) and show various adaptation to this habitat. Some wetland
plants have special air pockets inside their stems called aerenchyma that allows oxygen to

5
flow down into their root. Most of the plants that grow in soil have roots that are found
only at their base. But some wetland plants develop special roots called adventitious roots
that sprout off their underwater streams to help the plants take in water oxygen and other
needed things. Submerged parts generally have no cuticle (water proof covering) enabling
the plants to absorb minerals and the gases directly from the water. Stomata the gas
exchange pores, are absent in completely submerged plants and present in partially
submerged plants with floating leaves (e. g. Water lilies). One key to understanding the
unique characteristics of wetland plants is to understand the contribution they make to
wetland ecosystems. They are vitally important for many reasons: Wetland plants are at
the base of the food chain and, as such, are a major conduit for energy flow in the system.
Through the photosynthetic process, wetland plants link the inorganic environment with
the biotic one. The primary productivity of wetland plant communities varies, but some
herbaceous wetlands have extremely high levels of productivity, rivaling those of tropical
rain forests. And unlike many terrestrial ecosystems, much of the organic matter produced
is not used directly by herbivores but instead is transferred to the detrital food chain. They
provide critical habitat structure for other taxonomic groups, such as epiphytic bacteria,
periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and fish (Cronk and Mitsch 1994).

Wetlands strongly influence water chemistry, acting as both nutrient sinks through
uptake, and as nutrient pumps, moving compounds from the sediment to the water
column. Their ability to improve water quality through the uptake of nutrients, metals,
and other contaminants is well documented (Gersberg et al. 1986; Reddy et al. 1989; Rai
et al. 1995; Tanner et al. 1995 a, b). Submerged plants also release oxygen to the water
that is then available for respiration by other organisms. They influence the hydrology
and sediment regime of wetlands through, for example, sediment and shoreline
stabilization, or by modifying currents and helping to desynchronize flood peaks.
Vegetation can control water conditions in many ways including peat accumulation, water
shading (which affects water temperatures), and transpiration (Gosselink and Turner
1978). For instance, bog plants can build peat to the point that surface water no longer
flows into the wet- land. Some wetland tree species, including Melaleuca quinquenervia,
which has invaded the Everglades, transpire at very high rates and are capable of drawing
down the groundwater table.

In many provinces in India, local inhabitants traditionally use wetlands plants in their day
life for food, fodder and medicine against the disease they suffer from, or for making

6
different types of house hold products or for art works for sustenance. A significant
number of wetland plants can be considered as bioresources. These are major, minor plant
resources harvested from the wetlands of rural India. All these have significant socio-
economic value. Most of the wetland plants are used as leafy vegetables, wetland and
aquatic plants provide bio-resources for direct economic use as well as play important
ecological role in the ecosystems function including de contamination of polluted water.
Also have aesthetic and ornamental value. Plants play an important role in the life cycle
of fish. Some plants (eg. Lemna sps) are directly eater by fishes. Azolla pinnata, a free-
floating fern is widely using as biofertilizer for rice crop.

Human activities in wetlands may cause alteration of wetlands. Changes in wetland areas
may significantly affect ecosystem process. Concern about changes in the size and quality
of many of the world’s wetland systems have been growing because of increasing number
of wetlands are being converted to agriculture or urban uses or are being affected by
natural factors like drought. Land use changes such as increased urbanization plays a
pivotal role in environmental and ecological changes. Anthropogenic activities are the
main cause of destruction of wetlands. The degradation of biodiversity much faster than
diversity can evolve. Biodiversity faces serious challenges because of lack of public
awareness about its magnitude and importance. Wetlands in India that occupy 58.2
million hectors (including areas under wet paddy cultivation), face tremendous
anthropogenic pressures such as rapidly expanding human population, large scale change
in land use, land cover, burgeoning development projects and improper use of water
sheds, which in turn greatly influence the aquatic biodiversity.

Invasive species are the other major threats to global biodiversity and an important cause
of biotic homogenation of ecosystems. Exotic plants have been identified as a particular
concern because of the widely held belief that they competitively exclude native plant
species. Invasive potential of some species, such as Eichornia crassipes (water hyacinth)
Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrilla) threats the native species. Wetlands supports a unique
ecological process or functions, that occur there. But the over use of wetland plants result
in the delineation o wetlands. So, wetland restoration is essential. This concept, has
created a demand for people knowledgeable about the taxonomy and wetland plants.

The present study is deals with the Floristic analysis of selected wetlands in ward 1 and 2
Chazhoor Gramapanchayath.

7
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

❖ Investigation on the wetland plants of Chazhoor Gramapanchayath.

❖ Preliminary taxonomic studies on the wetland plants.

❖ Preparation of artificial key for identification of taxa under study.

❖ Investigation on medicinal importance of plants.

❖ Habitat wise classification of wetland plants and tabulation of plants having

economic and medicinal values.

❖ Preparation of reference herbaria.

8
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Hulbary (1944) observed that the most striking structural adaptive features of organs of
water plants are reduction of supporting protective and conductive tissues, presence of air
chambers called lacunae in the leaves which is continuous with those of the stems and
roots.

Wetlands of India was explored by Subramanyan (1962), Cook (1996).

According to Baily (1965) Oryza sativa is a staple food source of the Tamilnadu state,
cultivated in many areas with better rainfall or irrigation facilities including places nearby
river, ponds, water logged areas and other wetlands. Feeds of high quality can be made
from several species of aquatic plants. Species like Setaria verticillata, Hygroryza
aristata grains are known to be used by tribal communities.

Tailing et al. (1965) have highlighted environmental changes as the major driving force in
regulating plant species composition in wetlands. Adaptions to changing environment
with phases of fluctuating events can events can subject a plant community to dominance
by the most competitive species.

The Ramsar convention on wetlands (1971) produced an international, intergovernmental

treaty which defined wetlands somewhat broadly. Article 1 states that wetlands include
“areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or
temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, Brackish or salt, including areas of
marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters” (Ramsar
convention, 2011). Furthermore, the area of land covered by this treaty was later
expanded in Article 2, providing that wetlands areas, may incorporate riparian and costal
zones adjacent to the wetlands and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six
meters at low tide lying within the wetlands.

Mitch and Gosselink (1986) defined wetlands as transitional between terrestrial and
aquatic eco-systems where the water table is usually at or usually at or near the surface or
the land is covered by shallow water in his hook book name as wetlands.

Matthews and Fung (1987) studied the methane emissions from natural wetlands.
Wetlands occupies 4-6% of the earth’s land rea. Aselmann and Crutzen (1989) also agree

9
with this observation in the study named as global distribution of natural fresh water
wetlands and rice paddles.

Cook (1990) reported aquatics plants are species that perpetuate their life cycle in still or
moving water or on inundated or non-inundated hydric soils, this phenomenon achieved
by only 2% of the 360,000 angiosperm species.

Lists of endangered, rare and endemic plants found in the wetlands was prepared with the
help of published works of IUCN (1980), by Nayar and Sastry (1990), Nayar (1996) and
Subbarayalu and Velmurughan (1999). Phytogeography of the floristic elements were
also analysed.

Aquatic plants are species that perpetuate their lifecycle in still or moving water or on
inundated or non-inundated hydric soils by Donald (1996).

Sainty et al. (1998) described the degradation of 2,4-D herbicides by microorganism

isolated from Brazilian contaminated soil.

Mitsch and Gosselink (2000) carried out a study on value of wetlands. The study indicates
that value for some wetlands also increase with human development (agriculture and
urban) because of increased use/or increased scarcity. Yet, paradoxically, its function can
easily be overwhelmed in areas of heavy human development, thus lessening those
values. Thus, wetlands appear to work best in the landscape as spatially distributed
systems.

Burns and Schallenberg (2001) observed that agriculture, fire and livestock grazing in the
wetlands may lower species diversity in their study. Short term impacts of nutrients on
microbial food webs on an oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes.

Brendonk et al. (2003) studied the impact of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) in
eutrophic subtropical impoundment, opines that the physical presence of water hyacinth
greatly blocks sunlight and oxygen exchange and hence prevents growth of emerged and
submerged plants.

Hailu (2003) studied wetlands are used by virtually all households in the Western
Wellaga and Illubador zones directly or indirectly. The main cause are social/ceremonial
reeds, medicinal plants, thatching reeds used for housing construction and granary

10
roofing, domestic waste supplies, dry season grazing land, water for livestock, temporary
crop- guarding huts of reeds, cultivation, and craft materials.

Maya et al. (2003) made an assessment on the economic importance of rover vegetation
of Kerala and gave the uses of 35species including bank species apart from the true
aquatic/wetland plants.

Zedler (2004) studied causes and consequences of invasive plants in wetlands and
accumulation of materials in wetland to invasion, while at the same time supply invaders
with the resources they need to form monophytes.

Jayson and Sivaperuman (2005) explained the kole wetland is one of the largest and
highly productive wetlands and it is also one of the most threatened wetlands in kerala
state.

Sarika et al. (2005) revealed that the wetland flora of Amvrakikos comprises 182 vascular
plant taxa, of which 158 are reported for the first time. Five taxa (Callitriche truncata
subsp. truncata, Cyperus michelianus subsp. pygmaeus, Elymus hispidus subsp. graecus,
Salvinia natans, Typha laxmanii) are new records also for Epirus and one (Glinus
lotoides) is a new record for both western Sterea Ellada and Epirus.

Allen et al. (2005) reported that human factors have a very fundamental influence over
plant species composition of wetland environment.

Species diversity of wetlands can be affected by environment disturbances to a point

where the habit is dominated by few species studied by Van Mooy et al. (2006)

According to Kokkal et al. (2008) there are about 217 wetland areas in Kerala. The
unique wetland ecosystems of Kerala include marshy and water logged areas, vast polders
(paddy cultivation areas) associated with backwaters, and lakes and the Myristica
Swamps in the Western Ghat forests. Besides, Kerala contains a few wetlands of
International/National importance. These include Vembanad-Kole, Ashtamudi and
Sasthamcotta which are also designated as Ramsar sites of Kerala.

Preliminary floristic survey of Chotiari wetland complex, Nawab shah, Sindhi, Pakisthan
done by Rahmatullah (2008), 120 plant species belonging to 84 genera and 39 families
were identified. Of them 22 grasses (poaceae family) have been identified. Besides, one
pteridophyte and one gymnospermic species were also discovered.

11
Naqinezhad et al. (2009) reported 309 vascular plant species from the patchy wetland
habitats of the Alborz Mountains have a high floristic biodiversity.

Qualitative floristic surveys were carried out by Sukumaran et al. (2010) in the wetlands
ecosystem of Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu, India. During the survey, 124 species of
angiosperms belonging to 31 families and 81 genera were documented. Dominant
families were poaceae with 39 species followed by cyperaceae (24), Scrophulariaceae (9),
commenlinaceae (5), acanthaceae and convolvulaceae (4 species each), hydrocharitaceae
and Verbenaceae (3 species each).

A study of indigenous medicinal usage of some macrophytes of wetlands of

Agesteswaram in Tamilnadu done by Meena et al. (2010) and reported that mostly
grasses are used as fodder, some are used for other purposes such as thatching and
medicinal ailments and few are the serious weeds of the cultivated wetlands field.

Rasingam (2010) studied the aquatic and wetland plants of little Andamon island, India
and recorded 62 species belonging to 46 genera and 29 families, of which 60 species were
angiosperms and 2 species were pteridophytes.

Panda and Misra (2011) studied the Ethnomedical survey of some wetland plants of South
Orissa and their conservation, provided information about ethnomedical uses of 48
wetland plant species of South Orissa and also reported the medicinal values of
Commelina bengalensis Linn. According to their studies, fried leaves are used as leafy
vegetables to cure constipation. Warm leaf juice is dropped in ear to get relief from ear
ache.

Swapna et al. (2011), made a review on the utility of Indian wetland plant species as food
and medicine by using traditional knowledge of local communities. Some new
observations such as the use of Lindernia crustacea to clear stomach, Nelumbo nucifera
as a delicious food item and sold in the name, ‘vattal’, Colocasia esculenta for the
treatment of cracked foot, Cyperus rotundus for relief stomach ache in children and
Centella asiatica to cure jaundice and peptic ulcer are reported for the first time.

Flowering plants of Kerala by Sasidhran (2012), Version-2, KFRI, Peechi, Kerala.

Jyothi and Sureshkumar (2013) made a study on wetland flora and their medicinal
significance in Ponnani, Kerala. The data indicate that the observed species were utilized

12
to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory illness, dermatological problems,
urinogenital complaints, cardiovascular hitches and neurodisorders in various systems of
medicine. Among the listed plant species Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Evolvulus
alsinoides, Cynodon dactylon and Hygrophila schulli are very important in medicinal
usage against different ailments.

Prajeesh et al. (2014) studied the diversity of vascular plants associated with wetland
paddy fields (vayals) of Wayanad district in Westernghats. They identified 198 genera, of
which 178 angiosperm genera and 11 pteridophytes genera.

Vaheeda and Thara (2014) recorded 121 species of aquatic and semiaquatic macrophytes
in Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala. The analysis of macrophytic flora shows that the area
lack diversity of mangroves, though 23 mangrove associates reported from various parts
of Kerala found there. The wetland plants were the most common growth forms present.
Several medicinal plants were also observed.

Raja et al. (2015) reported the floristic composition of aquatic angiosperms in different
wetlands of Pudokkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. During this survey 144 species of
angiosperms belonging to 92 genera and 43 families were documented.

Sheeba (2015) find out the relevance of wetland conservation in Kerala.

Fennessy et al. (2018) evaluated the ability of freshwater riparian wetlands along a
gradient of ecological condition to act as sinks for carbon and sediment and compared
rates of carbon accretion and soil accretion across 20 wetlands in the Lake Erie Drift
Plain and the Ridge and Valley ecoregions.

Athira (2019) made a study on medicinal plants of selected wetlands in Pannisssery area,
Thrissur and concluded that a slight alteration of the wetland may result in the
disappearance or the extinction of the plants inhabiting there.

Du Toit et al. (2021) defined wetlands are the most threatened ecosystem in South Africa
despite the range of ecosystem goods and services they provide. A significant cause of
wetland destruction is a lack of understanding, by planners, policymakers and developers,
of their ecological and socio-economic importance.

13
 STUDY AREA

LOCATION

Thrissur is known as cultural capital of Kerala. The district has an area of 3032 sq.km and
is located in the central part of state. The district is surrounded by Ernakulam and Idukki
to the south, Palakkad district in the east, north side surrounded by Malappuram and
western side is bounded with Arabian Sea.

Chazhoor grama panchayath is situated in Thrissur district. The area of the panchayath is
25.54 km2. The panchayath is enriched with lots of wetlands, ponds, swamps, water
reservoir and water logging areas etc.

CLIMATE

Study area does not face a major variation in the temperature. The climatic condition does
not face a drastic change in the summer and winter season. Cold climatic condition does
not prevail here.

TEMPERATURE

The maximum average temperature of this area in the summer season is 37°C while the
minimum temperature recorded is 22.5°C. The winter season records a maximum average
of 33.2°C and a minimum average of 22°C.

HUMIDITY

The air is highly humid throughout the year, the relative humidity being generally over
71%.

RAIN

The average rainfall is 3159 mm (124°-39’’), the South West monsoon generally sets
during the last week of May. After July, the rainfall decreases and the area receiving an
average of 124 rainy days per year.

WIND

Winds are generally lighting to moderate and they strengthen in the monsoon season.

14
STUDY AREA

15
 STUDY AREA

SITE 1

SITE 2

SITE 1: VAPPUZHA PADDY FIELD, SITE 2: CHAZHOOR NORTH PADDY

FIELD

16
 SITE 3

SITE 3: CHEERAKUZHI PADDY FIELD

17
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the present study, the selected wetlands were Vappuzha, Chazhoor north, and
Cheerakuzhi paddy fields of ward 1 and 2 of Chazhoor panchayath. The study was
conducted on February 2021 to June 2021.

Repeated collection of all available specimens of wetlands plants were collected in its
reproductive and vegetative stages. Repeated visit was made in the same localities for the
collections of the specimens with reproductive stage. During the collection, the specimens
collected were tagged with field number. Field observations such as habitat, flower
colour, etc. were entered in the field book. Also photographs of plants were taken using
digital camera. The specimens of appropriate size with relevant parts were collected from
the field and herbarium was prepared. The dried specimens were mounted on the
herbarium sheets and labelled properly, after including all the relevant information. The
specimens kept safely for further studies. The specimens were identified with available
literature, floras and experts.

The materials collected were brought to laboratories for detailed study. The specimens
were identified using floras. Observations were made using a dissection microscope. The
specimens were confirmed using floras. Citations of all taxa published were obtained
from IPNI. The database of the international plant names index (IPNI)
(http://www.ipni.org) was utilized. The enumeration of taxa is in accordance with
common pattern adopted for thesis work. The species and genera are arranged in
alphabetical sequence under each family. Families are arranged according to the system
of classification by Bentham and Hooker (1882-1883). The correct name with author
citation is followed by synonyms. The systematic part begins with a key to families,
genus treatment, which is followed by treatment of species, comes under each genus.

A key to the species is provided if necessary. Details such as local names, common name,
habit, distribution and flowering and fruiting and voucher specimens also cited. The
details of the specimens cited are given in the following sequence; Country, State,
District, Panchayath, Collection locality, Date of collection, collector/collectors, Name
and Collection number, and acronym of the depository is given in parenthesis.

18
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The taxonomic study on the wetland plants of Chazhoor panchayath revealed that the area
is composed of 103 species of wetland plants, belonging to 84 genera and 37 families.
Dicotyledons represented by 29 families 67 genera and 84 species. Polypetalae
represented by 13 family 19 genera and 24 species. Gamopetalae represented by 11
family 37 genera 45 species. The monochlamydea represented by 5 family 11 genera 15
species. Monocotyledons represented by 8 family 17 genera 19 species.

The dominant families represented in this area is Asteraceae. Asteraceae represented by

12 genera and 12 species. The second dominant family is Scrophulariaceae represented
by 4 genera and 9 species. Other dominant families are Euphorbiaceae, Convolvulaceae,
Leguminosae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Commelinaceae. Euphorbiaceae represented by 5
genera and 8 species. Convolvulaceae represented by 5 genera and 6 species, followed by
Leguminosae having 5 genera and 6 species. Poaceae represented by 5 genus and 5
species. Rubiaceae represented by 4 genus and 5 species. Commenlinaceae represented
by 3 genus and 5 species. Acanthaceae possess 3 genus and 4 species. Lamiaceae possess
3 genus and 3 species. Amaranthaceae and Malvaceae possess 2 genus with 3species.
Nympheaeceae, Boraginaceae, Urticaceae, Pontederiaceae, Araceae and Cyperaceae
represented by 2 genus and 2 species. Capparidaceae, Mimosaceae and Aizoaceae possess
1 genus and 2 species. Sterculiaceae, Tiliaceae, Geraniaceae, Sapindaceae,
Melastomaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, Meyanthaceae, Solanaceae, Lentibulariaceae,
Verbinaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Piperaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cannaceae, Lemnaceae possess
only 1 genera and 1 species.

Habit wise classification shows of herbs are 86, shrubs are 7, climbers 9. Also 1 Small
tree are present in the near area. Trees were very scarce. Herb are the most predominant
plants in the near areas. Majority of the plants are weeds. Medicinal plants also seen in
this area. Some plants are used as fodder. Along with angiosperms there are also 8
varieties of pteridophytes are seen.

19
 SYSTEMATIC KEY TO THE FAMILY

I. Ovules not enclosed in an ovary, on the surface of megasporophyll, stigma

absent…………………………………………...………..............….….GYMNOSPERMS

II. Ovules enclosed inside the ovary, stigma present……...……........…..ANGIOSPERMS

ANGIOSPERMS

1. Plants usually with tap root system, reticulate veined, cotyledons two

.......................................................…………….……………………....DICOTYLEDONS

2. Plants usually with fibrous root system, parallel veined, cotyledon one

…….............………………………………………………………MONOCOTYLEDONS

1. DICOTYLEDONS

1a. Inner perianth lobes (petals) free; stamens inserted on the thalamus

……............………………………………………………………..……POLYPETALAE.

1b. Inner perianth lobes (petals) united; stamens epipetalous

………..............………………………………………………………...GAMOPETALAE.

1c. Perianth 1 seriate or absent, when 2 seriate similar

................……………………………………………………….…MONOCHLAMYDAE.

20
1a. POLYPETALAE

1. Petals many in several whorls or in a continuous spiral with the sepals; aquatic plants
with submerged rootstock ..............................................................NYMPHAEACEAE.

2. Herbs or if shrubs or trees, then with ovary and fruit borne on a long gynophore; sepals
4 ......................................................................................................CAPPARIDACEAE.

3. Stamens numerous, rarely few, in a column around the style with only short free
filaments, or dividing into groups opposite the petals; anthers 1 -celled; or if 2-celled,
then the leaves compound-digitate; staminal column adnate at the base to the contorted
corolla-lobes; an epicalyx often present; leaves usually simple

............................………………………………………….…………....MALVACEAE.

4. Stamens usually 15, sometimes fewer, in a column or cup around the style, mouth of
the column or cup usually with 5 sterile prolongations opposite the petals; or if
stamens more numerous, then petals; anthers 2-celled; leaves simple; or if compound-
digitate, then petals………………………………………....……..STERCULIACEAE.
5. Anthers opening by slits; petals not ciliate or laciniate; stamens borne on a torus; Fruit
capsular or separating into cocci…………………………………....……..TlLIACEAE.
6. Leaves simple; or if compound, then alternate; stamens usually 5, filaments often
united at the base; anthers sometimes cohering; flowers often irregular

……………………………………………………….........………….GERANIACEAE.

7. Leaves exstipulate; flowers often zygomorphic; stamens usually 8, inserted inside the
disk or between it and the ovary, rarely outside……………....…...…SAPINDACEAE.
8. Carpels solitary excentric; style terminal; flowers irregular with 10 or fewer stamens or
regular and usually with numerous stamens; ovules 1-many on the inner angle of the
carpel; leaves almost always stipulate……………………...........…..LEGUMINOSAE.
9. Stamens 3-12; anthers usually opening by pores; petals contorted in bud; leaves
usually 3-5-ribbed………………………………………....……MELASTOMACEAE.
10. Ovary completely or half adnate to the calyx-tube; stamens as many or twice as many
as the petals and inserted with them; herbs and under shrubs, often in marshes,
sometimes floating…………………………………...…….....………ONAGRACEAE.

21
11. Flowers symmetrical; stamens few, usually 3, with sinuous or conduplicate anthers;
styles united or free only at the apex; fruit not winged; climbers or prostrate plants,
usually bearing tendrils……………………….....………………..CUCURBITACEAE.
12. Ovary 2-5-celled; or if 1-celled, then petals; ovules axile or basal
…………………………………………….................……………..........AIZOACEAE.
13. Herbs; fruit dry, separating into two dehiscent carpels with glandular tubules
containing an essential oil………………………………………..UMBELLIFERAE.

2a. GAMOPETALAE

1. Stipules usually conspicuous, inserted within or between the petioles or leaf-like and
whorled with the leaves; ovary 2-10-celled; ovules 1-many in each cell

……………………………………………………................…..………RUBIACEAE.
2. Anthers cohering in a tube around the style, filaments free; flowers usually in heads,
rarely solitary, surrounded by an involucre of bracts; calyx-limb or reduced to pappus;
ovary 1-celled, 1-ovuled ; fruitdry ; leaves usually alternate
……………...................………………………………………..……..COMPOSITAE.
3. Stipules 0, not represented by a raised line; corolla-lobes contorted; or if valvate, then
leaves alternate ; ovary 1 -celled; or if 2-celled, then corolla short, rotate and placentas
undivided……………………………………….......................……GENTIANACEAE.
4. Corolla-lobes imbricate or contorted; ovary 2-celled, cells 2-ovuled or spuriously 4-
celled and cells 1-ovuled; fruit of two 1-2-seeded pyrenes or of four 1 -seeded nutlets;
embryo with superior radicle; herbs, shrubs or trees
…………………………...............…………………………………BORAGINACEAE.
5. Corolla-lobes plicate; if imbricate, then fruit a valvular capsule or leafless parasitic
plants; ovary 2-, rarely 3-5-celled; fruit usually dehiscent, or if indehiscent, then
embryo with inferior radicle; usually climbing plants
………………….......………………………………………….CONVOLVULACEAE.
6. Corolla-lobes plicate; style single; herbs or shrubs, rarely trees
…..............…………………………………………………………….SOLANACEAE.
7. Ovules many on placentas attached to the middle of the septum; seeds almost always
albuminous…………...................…………………………...SCROPHULARIACEAE.
8. Stamens 2, alternate with the 3 anterior lobes of a 2-lipped corolla; small, often aquatic
herbs……………………....................………………………..LENTIBULARIACEAE.

22
9. Fruit opening elastically from the apex of 2 loculicidal valves; seeds usually supported
on upcurved processes from the placentas; leaves simple, opposite
………………………………………………….....................……...ACANTHACEAE.
10. Fruit not 4-lobed; or if 4-lobed, then drupaceous; or if separating into nutlets, then
ovary entire………………………………………………..…….VERBENACEAE.
11. Fruit separating into 4 distinct nutlets or, less often, drupes, rarely 4-lobed and not
separating, and then not drupaceous; ovary always 4-lobed
………….......………………………………………………………......….LABIATAE.

3a. MONOCHLAMYDEAE

1. Perianth tubular, its base adhering to the ovary, tube long or short, limb truncate or 3-
5-toothed or lobed, segments plicately or simply valvate

……………………………………………………………….….NYCTAGINACEAE.

2. Perianth scarious and dry; flowers always with scarious or hyaline bracts and 2
bracteoles; anthers 1-2-celled; leaves membranous, opposite or alternate, never
terete………………………………………………………...…...AMARANTACEAE.
3. Flowers usually 1 -sexual, sometimes bisexual; leaves usually alternate, sometimes
opposite or whorled, often unequal-sided; stamens 2-4, filaments short, free; anthers 2-
celled; ovule erect; herbs or shrubs, often aromatic, sometimes scandent
…………...............……………………………………………………...PIPERACEAE.
4. Stipules almost always present, though often minute or falling early; perianth usually
single, sometimes double or lacking in either or both sexes, outer series valvate or
imbricate, inner, when present, free; stamens various, often very many, filaments
frequently connate; herbs, shrubs and trees, very often with milky
…………………………...........…………..………………………EUPHORBIACEAE.
5. Style single, undivided; stamens 3-5; ovule basal, erect; leaves alternate or opposite;
herbs, shrubs or trees with watery sap, sometimes beset with stinging
hairs………..............…………………………………..……………….URTICACEAE.

23
2. MONOCOTYLEDONS

1. Inner perianth-series funnel-shaped below, 3-lobed above; style embraced below the
stigma by the single anther; ovary sometimes 1-celled; fruit usually capsular

………….…..................…………………….……………………..ZINGIBERACEAE.

2. Ovules many in each cell; embryo straight; style terminal, flattened

……………………....……………...…………………………………..CANNACEAE.

3. Aquatic, erect or floating herbs; inflorescence terminating a 1-leafed scape; embryo

cylindric, as long as and lying in a central canal in the albumen

………………………….....……………………………...……...PONTEDERIACEAE.

4. Outer perianth-series calycine, inner corolline; embryo marginal or only partly

enclosed in the albumen

…………....................………..……….......................…………..COMMELINACEAE.

5. Herbs or shrubs, sometimes climbing by aerial roots; seldom marsh plants, very rarely
free floating; flowers 2-sexual or monoecious, rarely dioecious and then
tuberousrooted with much modified spathes; spadix simple; leaves not in spirals rarely
spinous ………………………...............................................…..........…….ARACEAE.

6. Free-floating minute, lenticular or granular plants with 1 or more roots that do not
enter the soil; flowers very minute from the margins or the upper side of a frond;
perianth 0…………………………………………....………………….LEMNACEAE.

7. Stems solid; leaves 3-ranked, rarely; sheaths rarely with a ligule, closed in front;
perianth or of bristles or scales; fruit a compressed or 3-angled nut with the seed free
within; embryo inside the albumen; sedge

……….………..............………………………….…………………....CYPERACEAE.

8. Stems usually hollow except at the nodes; leaves 2-ranked, very rarely sub spirally
arranged; sheaths almost always with a ligule and split in front; perianth represented
by 2, rarely 3 or more hyaline scales, rarely fruit a grain with the seed-coat adhering to
the pericarp, rarely free within it; embryo at the base of the albumen: grasses and
bamboos……………….................................……….………..…………GRAMINEAE.

24
 NYMPHAEACEAE

1a. Sepals lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate………………………………………Nymphaea

1b. Sepals ovate or elliptic…………………………………………………….......Nelumbo

1. NELUMBO

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Perennial aquatic rhizomatous herbs. Leaves alternate, orbicular, entire or wavy at

margin, 2090 cm across, glaucous on both surfaces, dark green above, flat when floating,
concave or bowl shaped when emersed; petioles 60-180 cm long, weak, often minutely
prickled. Flowers projecting above water level, 10-25 cm across, rose-pink, white or
white at base and pink at tips, rarely creamy yellow; peduncles to 180 cm long, minutely
prickly. Sepals ovate or elliptic, concave, 2-5 x 1-3.5 cm, green when petals white or
pinkish green when petals rose-pink. Petals numerous, obovate or elliptic-oblong, obtuse
or subacute, concave, (2-)8 -10 x (1-)3-5 cm. Receptacle obconic, 9-11 cm high, 2-4 cm
across at top, yellow. Stamens ca 200, 2-4.5 cm long; anthers yellow or orange;
connective appendages recurved, white or yellow. Carpels many, oblong-cylindric, ca 8 x
3 mm, sunk in the cavities of the spongy receptacle; stigmas protruding from receptacle.
Fruiting carpels (nuts) ellipsoid, 1.5-2 x ca 1 cm; seeds ovoid-oblong, black.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., FPM 34(24). 1915

2. NYMPHAEA

Nymphaea nouchali Burm.F.

Rhizomatous aquatic herbs. rhizomes often producing long runners. Leaves alternate,
elliptic or orbicular, elliptic-sagittate when young, entire or irregularly sinuate at margin,
roundedacute at apex, (6-) 10-35(-45) x (5-) 8-28(-40) cm, reddish purple beneath; main
nerves 7-15, palmate; midnerve grooved above, prominently angled beneath; secondary
nerves 4-7 pairs, slightly grooved above; petioles terete, 2-5 mm thick, glabrous. Flowers
6-14 cm across, slightly fragrant. Sepals lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, 2.5-7.5 x
0.7-2.5 cm, green, streaked purple outside. Petals 8-15, elliptic-lanceolate, 2.5-6 x 0.5-1.2
cm, mauve. Stamens 20-60, yellow; outer ones 1.5-2.5 cm long; the inner shorter;
connective appendages 1.5-3 mm long; anthers 0.5-1.5 cm long. Ovary sunken, 10-20

25
loculed; ovules numerous on superficial placenta; stigmas 8-20, radiating, connate at
base. Fruits globose, 1.5-3.5 cm, with remnants of sepals, petals and stamens; seeds
ellipsoid-globose, 8-10 mm long, vertically finelined, ciliate on ribs, becoming glabrate
with growth of aril.

Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f., FPM 33(24). 1915

CAPPARIDACEAE

1. CLEOME

1a. Plant glabrous…………………………………………………………C.rutidosperma

2b. Plant glandular……………………………………………………………….C.viscosa

Cleome rutidosperma Dc.

Annual, erect or decumbent herb, to 1 m high; stems weak, ribbed, subglabrous to

eglandularpilose, clothed with soft recurved caducous to 2 mm long prickles. Leaves 3-
foliolate; lower ones long-petioled; upper ones short-petioled or sessile; leaflets
subsessile, rhombate-elliptic, obovate or oblong-lanceolate, attenuate or cuneate and
webbed at base, obscurely crenulateserrulate and purple at margin, acute or acuminate at
apex, 1-6 x 0.2-2 cm, glabrous; lateral nerves 6-8 pairs, softly setose; petioles at base to 4
cm long, gradually diminishing upwards to nearly absent; petiolules less than 1 mm long.
Racemes lax, few-flowered, leaf bearing, not clearly demarcated, to 20 cm long. Flowers
in axils of leaves below and in axils of foliaceous bracts above; pedicels filiform, 1-2 cm
long, elongating to 3.5 cm in fruit, shortly glandular hairy. Sepals linear or linear-
lanceolate, acuminate, 2.5-4 x 0.3-0.8 mm, thinly clothed with short bristles. Petals
oblong-elliptic to oblanceolate, clawed at base, apiculate at apex, 8-12 x 1.5-2.5 mm,
showy, pink, bluish violet, rarely white with pink streaks; claw 2-3.5 mm long. Stamens
6; filaments 6-9 mm long; anthers linear, ca 2 mm long, recurved after anthesis.
Gynophore 1.5-2 mm long, elongating to 8 mm in fruit. Ovary linear, 7-12 mm long,
slightly curved; stigma sessile, capitate. Capsules linear-cylindric, compressed, attenuate
at both ends, ribbed, 4-7 cm x 2.5-4 mm; beak 1-4 mm long; valves glabrous, parallel
nerved; seeds many, suborbicular to reniform with prominent concentric and transverse
ridges and open cleft,1.5-2x ca 1.5 mm, orange-brown, drying black; elaiosome
conspicuous, white or creamy.

26
Cleome rutidosperma Dc., FPM 41.1915

Cleome viscosa L.

Erect profusely branched annual herbs, viscous with stalked glandular hairs. Leaves
alternate, 3-5(-7)-foliolate; leaflets subsessile, 0.6-3.5 x 0.3-2 cm, elliptic-oblong or
obovate to spathulate, apex obtuse, base cuneate, margins ciliate, membranous, glandular
pubescent; petiole up to 5 cm long. Racemes terminal, lax, few-flowered, corymbiform.
Flowers 1-1.5 cm across; pedicels to 1 cm long, elongate during fruiting. Sepals 4, 4-8 x
2-3 mm, lanceolate, apex acute, glandular hairy without. Petals 4, yellow, 6-12 x 3-5 mm,
obovate to oblong-spathulate, apex rounded. Stamens 12-18; filaments 6-8 mm long,
broadened at tip; anthers linear. Ovary sessile, 5-7 mm long, oblong-cylindric, glandular-
hairy; stigma capitate. Capsules 5-6.5 x 0.30.5 cm, linear-oblong, terete, striate, densely
glandular hairy; seeds many, 1-1.5 mm across, reniform, transversely ridged, reddish-
brown.

Cleome viscosa L., FPM 41(29). 1915

MALVACEAE

1a. Fruit schizocarpic carcerulus………………………………………………........Sida

1b. Fruit capsule…………………………………………………………………Hibiscus

1. HIBISCUS

Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff.

Rambling or climbing shrubs; stems, petioles and pedicels armed with recurved prickles,
often intermingled with dense stellate indumentum. Leaves entire to 3-5-angled or lobed,
alternate, 4-8 x 3-7 cm, cordate or truncate at the base, margins coarsely serrate, apex
acuminate, prickly on the nerves beneath; petiole 4-7 cm long, prickly; stipules c. 7 x 3
mm, lanceolate, ciliate. Flowers axillary, solitary; pedicels 1.5-5 cm long, jointed above
middle, prickly. Involucral bracts 10-12, c. 15 x 3 mm, bifurcate, apex spathulate. Calyx
tube c. 1 cm long, nerves densely pubescent with long stellate and simple hairs; lobes 5, c.
10 x 4 mm, lanceolate. Corolla c. 8 cm across, yellow with deep purple center; petals 5, 4-
5 x 3-4 cm, obovate. Staminal column up to 1.5 cm long, antheriferous throughout;
filaments c. 3 mm long, purplish; anthers purplish. Ovary c. 5 mm long, ovoid, 5-celled,

27
densely appressed hairy; stigma 5, capitate. Capsule c. 1.5 cm long, ovoid or conical,
bristly hairy. Seeds c. 4 mm long, 3-gonous, dark brown, concentrically tubercled.

Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff., FPM 97(70). 1915

2. SIDA

1a. Petals obovate………………………………………………………….........S. spinosa

1b. Petals ovate………………………………………………………………........S. acuta

Sida acuta Burm. F.

Erect subshrubs to 70 cm tall; branches distichous. Leaves simple, alternate, 3-6 x 1-2 cm,
lanceolate to ovate, apex acute or acuminate, base truncate, margins serrate, entire
towards base, sparsely hirsute to glabrate on both surfaces; 3-nerved at base; petiole to 4
mm long; stipules 5-8 x 1-1.5 mm, unequal, one lanceolate, the other linear. Flowers
solitary, axillary; pedicels to 5 mm long. Calyx 6-8 mm long, campanulate, ciliate on
margins, divided to the middle. Petals creamy-yellow, 6-8 mm long, obliquely obovate.
Staminal column c. 2 mm long; filaments to 1.5 mm long; anthers pale yellow. Ovary c.
1.5 mm long, ovoid; styles 6-8; stigma globose, yellow. Schizocarp to 5 mm long;
mericarps 6-8, c. 3 x 2 mm, trigonous, reticulate, apically 2-awned; seeds c. 2 mm long,
trigonous.

Sida acuta Burm. F., FPM 90(64). 1915

Sida spinosa L.

Annual or perennial, erect or diffuse herbs or undershrubs, to 60 cm high; stems with 1 or

2 spines at the base of petioles; stems, petioles and pedicels cinereous-stellate-and simple
hairy. Leaves alternate, oblong or ovate, acute or subcordate at base, serrate at margin,
acute, rounded to truncate at apex, 6-30 x 4-25 mm, stellate-pubescent, sometimes
glabrescent above; petioles 2-15 mm long; stipules linear, equal, 1-2.5 mm long, hairy.
Flowers axillary, solitary or in clusters of 2-5 on small axillary shoots; pedicels 2-8 mm
long, accrescent to 8 mm, jointed above middle. Calyx campanulate, 3-5 mm across;
lobes free above middle, deltoid, acute to acuminate with a prominent midnerve, 1-2 x
1.5-2 mm, cinerous-stellate-and simple hairy outside, glabrous except at margin inside.
Corolla ca 1 cm across, yellow or yellowish white; petals obovate, rounded or emarginate

28
at apex, ca 6 x 3 mm, glabrous. Staminal column ca 2 mm long, glabrous, antheriferous at
apex. Ovary ovoid; styles 5; stigmas globose, purple. Schizocarps ca 5 mm across,
enclosed in calyx; mericarps 5, 3-gonous, 2-3 mm long, with 2 divergent awns to 1-1.5
mm long, prominently dorsally reticulate, stellate-hairy at apex; seeds ovoid, slightly 3-
gonous, 1-1.5 mm long, glabrous, brownish black.

Sida spinosa L., FPM 89(64). 1915

STERCULIACEAE

1. MELOCHIA

Melochia corchorifolia L.

Erect branched herbs. Young stem, petioles, bracts and calyx lobes stellate hairy mixed
with simple hairs. Leaves varying in size and shape, 2 - 5 x 1 - 2.5 cm, ovate- oblong,
cordate or attenuate at base, margin serrate, acute at apex, sparsely hairy on nerves on
both sides; petioles to 1 cm long. Flowers in terminal, capitate cymes. Bracts 2-3 mm
long, linear-lanceolate, ciliate on margins. Calyx 5-lobed, campanulate, 2-3mm long;
lobes lanceolate, ciliate, Corolla pink, 5, 2-4 mm, obovate, obtuse or retuse at apex.
Stamens 5, filaments united at base. Ovary c. 1 mm long, ovoid, 5-celled; ovules 2 in
each cell; styles 5. Capsule 3-4 mm, sub - globose, 5- valved. Seeds angular or plano-
convex, dark brown or greyish.

Melochia corchorifolia L., FPM 110 (79) .1915

TILIACEAE

1. GREWIA

Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Panigrahi

Erect bushy shrubs; young stem, petioles, peduncles and calyx densely stellate pubescent.
Leaves simple, alternate, 6-18 x 3-5.5 cm, elliptic-oblong or ovate-lanceolate, apex acute
to acuminate, base rounded or cordate, margins subentire to serrulate, densely stellate
hairy when young, glabrous on ageing except the nerve on both sides; 3-ribbed; petioles
upto 1 cm long. Flowers in axillary and terminal panicles; pedicels c. 1 mm long; bracts
5-6 mm long, linear-lanceolate. Sepals 5, free, 4-6 mm long, oblong-obovate, tomentose

29
without. Petals 5, yellow, 2-3 mm long, ovate. Stamens many; filaments 3-4 mm long.
Ovary c. 1 mm across, globose, 2-4-celled; ovules 2 in each cell. Drupe 6-10 mm across,
globose, purple on ripening; seeds 1 or 2.

Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Panigrahi., FPM 116(83). 1915

GERANIACEAE

1. BIOPHYTUM

Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch.

Annual herbs up to 15 cm long. Leaves 12 - 17 jugate; rachis 4 - 7.5 cm, sparsely

puberulous; leaflets overlapping, terminal largest, to 13 x 5 mm, asymmetric, obovate.
Flowers umbellate in many flowered axillary peduncles; pedicels to 6 mm long; bracts
ovate-attenuate, 1 - 1.5 mm long. Sepals 2 - 2.5 x 1 - 1.25 mm, ovate, acute-acuminate at
apex, 7-nerved, half as long as petals in flower, 2/3 as long as in fruits. Petals yellow, 3.5
- 4.5 mm long, elliptic to oblanceolate, emarginated at apex; claw greenish, limb yellow.
Fruits 3 - 3.5 x 2 - 2.5 mm, glandular hairy on the ribs; seeds 1 - 2 per cell, to 1.2 x 0.8
mm, transversely ridged and tubercled.

Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch., FPM 133(95). 1915

SAPINDACEAE

1. CARDIOSPERMUM

Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

Climbing or trailing herbs. Leaves alternate, bi-ternate; leaflets 2-4 x 1-2.5 cm,
ovatelanceolate, deeply dentate or lobed, apex acute to acuminate, membranous; petiole
to 3 cm long. Flowers white, polygamous in 3-7-flowered axillary tendril-bearing
peduncles; peduncle up to 5 cm long. Sepals 4, in 2-pairs, outer pair smaller. Petals 4,
white, unequal, with basal scales. Stamens 8; filaments unequal, pilose. The compressed
stamens are hairy, insulated draft tube ovary with a short fluffy hairy style, which ends in
a three-part scar and eight staminodes present. Ovary 3-locular; ovule 1-per locule;
stigma 3-fid. Capsule papery, inflated, 3-lobed, winged. Seeds one in each chamber, black
with a white eye.

30
Cardiospermum halicacabum L., FPM 244(175). 1918

LEGUMINOSAE

PAPILIONOIDEAE

1a. plants possess climbing habit………………………………….....................................1

1b. Plants that are not climbers……………………………………………........................2

2a. Climbers with small leaves………………………………….……...............Centrosema

2b. Climbers with large leaves…………………………………….........................Pueraria

3a. Plants which are prostate……………………………………………...........Desmodium

3b. Plants that are erect………………………………………………….............................3

4a. Plants with long pods………………………………………………….…....................4.

4b. Plants with short pods………………………………………………............Crotalaria

1. CENTROSEMA

Centrosema molle Benth.

Pubescent twiners. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets 3-6.2 x 1.5-4 cm, ovate or elliptic, apex
acuminate, base rounded, the terminal larger than the laterals, pubescent; petiole to 5 cm
long; stipules persistent. Racemes axillary, 5-8-flowered; peduncles 4-5 cm long. Flowers
2.5-3.2 cm long; pedicels 7-10 mm long; bracts connate, 5-8 mm long, ovate-lanceolate,
deciduous; bracteoles 6-8 mm long, ovate. Calyx-tube 3-4 mm long, campanulate, 2-
lipped, upper lip emarginate, adpressed tomentose. Corolla violet; standard c. 3 cm long,
ovate-suborbicular, gibbous at the back above the claw, emarginate, pubescent without;
wings falcate, the auricle curved back. Stamens 9+1. Style basally pubescent. Pods 7-12 x
0.4-0.6 cm, linear, compressed with 4-raised ribs near sutures; seeds 15-18, 4-6 mm long,
oblong, brown with dark mottling.

Centrosema molle Benth., FPM 167.1918

31
 2. CROTALARIA

Crotalaria pallida Aiton.

Annual erect herbs to 2.3 m tall; stems striate, silky-pubescent. Leaves 3-8 x 0.5-1.5 cm,
oblong-elliptic to oblanceolate, base usually acute, apex obtuse to subacute, apiculate,
clothed on both sides with appressed hairs; petiole to 3 mm long; stipules minute.
Inflorescence terminal, racemose, many-flowered, 15-30 cm long. Flowers yellow, 1.5-2
cm long; pedicels c. 5 mm long; bracts 3-4 mm long, lanceolate; bracteoles linear. Calyx
c. 1.8 cm long, fulvous hairy, teeth linear-lanceolate. Petals 1.5-2 cm long; standard c. 2
cm long and broad, ovate, veined red, silky without; wings shorter than keel and standard.
Pods sessile, 2.5-3x 1-1.3 cm, oblong-cylindrical, fulvous silky hairy. Seeds 8-15, c. 4
mm long, obliquely-cordiform.

Crotalaria pallida Aiton., FPM 301(212). 1918

3. DESMODIUM

Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC.

Much branched glabrescent prostrate herbs, rooting at nodes. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets
0.31.5 x 0.3-1.4 cm, obovate, base cuneate, apex truncate or emarginate, lateral leaflets
smaller than the terminal one; petiole 1.5 cm long; stipule c. 5 mm long, ovate-lanceolate.
Flowers 34 mm long, 1-4 together in the axils of leaves; pedicels 4-6 mm long, capillary;
bracts c. 2 mm long, ovate, ciliate. Calyx c. 3 mm long, covered with long silky hairs;
lobes unequal, lanceolate. Petals pink to violet; standard c. 3 mm long, obovate; wings c.
2 mm long; keels to 4 mm long. Pods 1-1.5 cm long, 3-5-jointed, lower margin deeply
indented, upper entire; joints hairy or glabrous, reticulate-veined, longer than broad.
Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC., FPM 347(245). 1918

4. PUERARIA

Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth.

Twining herbs. Leaves 3-foliate; leaflets unlobed, broadly obliquely ovate to rhombic-
ovate, 6-10 X 5.5-9 cm, base Cuneate, apex acute apiculate, basally 3-nerved, lower
surface appressed silky, chartaceous. Flowers subsessile clustered on long-peduncled

32
racemes; calyx teeth short, upper 2 connate; corolla reddish pink; stamens 10,
monadelphous; ovary sessile; ovules many. Pods to 10 cm.

MIMOSOIDEAE

1a. Plants response to touch………………………………………………………M.pudica

1b. Plants doesn’t response to touch………………………………………...M. diplotricha

1. MIMOSA

Mimosa diplotricha C.Wright ex Sauv

Straggling subshrubs; stem 4-angular, without prickles. Leaves alternate to 12 cm long;

rachis, tomentose; pinnae 5-10 pairs; leaflets c.20 pairs, oblong, 3-7 by 0.75-1 mm,
overlapping, base oblique-truncate, apex acute-mucronate. Flowers pink. Lomentum flat,
margin with recurved prickles; seeds 3-5, sub-rhombic.

Mimosa pudica L.

Straggling herbs; stem 4-angular, without prickles. Leaves alternate to 12 cm long, pinnae
510 pairs; leaflets 20 pairs, oblong, 3-7 by 0.75-1 mm, overlapping, apex acute-
mucronate, base oblique-truncate; rachis, tomentose; Flowers pink. Lomentum flat,
margin with recurved prickles; seeds 3-5, sub-rhombic.

Mimosa pudica L., FPM 421 (298) .1919

MELASTOMACEAE

1.OSBECKIA

Osbeckia muralis Naud.

Erect herbs; stem 4-angled, laxly villous. Leaves simple, opposite, 1-3.5x 0.8-2 cm,
elliptic to oblong, apex acute, base rounded to obtuse, chartaceous, densely pubescent
with long hairs on both sides, 3-ribbed; petiole to 6 mm long. Flowers few in terminal
cymose clusters, 4-merous, c. 1.5 cm across. Calyx tube 2-4 mm wide, cupular, ribbed,
long-simple hairy; lobes 4, 2-4 mm long, triangular, stellately bristly at apex. Petals pink,
4-6 x 3-4 mm, ovate. Stamens 8; anthers 2-4 mm long, ovate-oblong, apex truncate.
Ovary 4-locular, apically with many erect bristles.

33
Capsule 4-6 mm long, globose; seeds many, minute.

Osbeckia muralis Naud., FPM 494(349).1919

ONAGRACEAE

1. LUDWIGIA

1a. White petal 5 in number……………………………………...................L.adscendens

1b. Yellow petals 4 in number……………………………………..……….........L.perennis

Ludwigia adscendens (L.) Hara.

Aquatic floating herbs; aerophores spongy, white coloured, fusiform. Leaves 1.5-3.5 x
0.5-1.5 cm, obovate to oblanceolate, base attenuate, apex obtuse, lower surface glossy.
Flowers solitary, axillary, to 4 cm across. Calyx tube c. 1 cm long, pubescent; lobes 5,
narrowlanceolate. Petals 5, obovate, emarginate or rounded at apex, cream coloured or
white with an yellowish blotch inside. Stamens 10; filaments subequal. Ovary 5-locular;
ovules many; style hairy at base; stigma globose. Capsule c. 2.5 cm long, terete, 10-
ribbed, dehiscing by 4-5 valves.

Ludwigia adscendens (L.) Hara., FPM 516(365)1919.

Ludwigia perennis L.

Annual herbs, up to 10 cm tall, subglabrous or puberulent on younger pars. Leaves

simple, alternate, 1-11 x 0.3-2.7, linear to narrowly elliptic, cm, apex subacute, base
narrowly cuneate; petioles 2-15 mm long. Flowers from the upper leaf axils; bracteoles
reduced or up to 1 mm long. Sepals 4, rarely 5, deltate, (1.3-) 2-3.5 mm long, glabrous or
puberulent. Petals yellow, elliptic, 1-3 mm long, emarginated. Stamens usually as many
as the sepals, rarely more. Disk at apex of ovary slightly elevated; style 0.7-1.5 mm long;
stigma globose. Capsule thin walled, 0.3-1.6 cm long, terete, pale brown readily and
irregularly dehiscent; pedicel 0-6 mm long; seeds in several rows in each locule, free,
broadly ellipsoid, 0.3-0.5 mm long, brown, with fine brown lines.

Ludwigia perennis L., FPM 517(365).1919.

34
 CUCURBITACEAE

1. MUKIA

Mukia maderaspatana L.

Stem coarsely scabrous. Leaves simple, alternate, 8-9 x 6-7 cm, ovate, cordate at base;
entire or shallowly 5-lobed; spinous serrate, densely scabrous; petiole 6-7 cm long. Male
flowers 812 together, 4-6 mm across, yellow; pedicel 5-6 mm long. Calyx densely hairy
outside, lobes linear. Petals 2-2.5 mm long, obovate, yellow. Female flowers solitary or 2-
3 together. Berry 1-1.5 cm across; seeds obovate, marginate, yellowish white, rugose.

Mukia maderaspatana L., FPM 539 (381).1919

AIZOACEAE

1. MOLLUGO

1a. Ascending herbs………………………………………………………..M.pentaphylla

1b. Plants are not ascending…………………………………………………M.nudicaulis

Mollugo nudicaulis L.

Decumbent to ascending glabrous herbs, branching at base from a tap root, annual or,
perennial. Leaves (often described a opposite or whorled) in alternate fascicles of 2-4,
unequal, 1.5-3.5 x 0.6-1.2 cm, spathulate with rounded apices, to narrowly elliptic or
lanceolate, acute, very shortly petiolate. Pedunculate cymes from the leaf fascicles or
apparently just below them, at upper or terminal nodes, once to repeatedly branching,
forming a paniculate appearance, ultimate branches pseudo-racemose. Sepals 5,
orbiculate or oval, thin, green with white scarious margins, strongly imbricate, somewhat
accrescent in fruit, closely enclosing capsule. Stamens 3-5, shorter than sepals. Ovary
trilocular; ovules many, placentaion axile. Capsules very thin-walled; globose or
subglobose, locullicidal; seeds obliquely reniform, dark chestnutbrown, low-tuberculate,
with a caruncle, without a linear appendage.

Mollugo nudicaulis L., FPM 553(390).1919

35
Mollugo pentaphylla L.

Glabrous acaulescent herbs. Leaves forming a rosette, up to 5 x 1 cm, obovate to broadly

spathulate, apex obtuse to rounded, base gradually contacted to a rather short (5-15 mm)
petiole, veins rather obscure. Cymes scapose, several, to 15-20 cm long, di- or
trichotomously branched, spreading to ascending; terminal flower in each ramification
pedicellate, ultimate branches tending to have several second flowers or a single
pedicellate one; bracts reduced to hyaline oblong to lanceolate scales. Sepals 5, broadly
ellipsoid to oblong, subequal, 2- mm long, rounded at base and apex, sub gibbous at base,
margins hyaline. Stamens 3-5; filament c.1.5 mm long. Ovary oblong, 3-lobed, 3-celled;
stigmas 3, sessile, flat, spreading, papillose. Capsule valves 3, firm, rounded at apex;
seeds black, plump, very oblique-reniform, with a slightly caruncle or thickened
attachment, surface thickly tuberculate.

Mollugo pentaphylla L., FPM 553(390).1919

APIACEAE

1. CENTELLA

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.

Prostrate herbs, rooting at nodes. Leaves simple, alternate, orbicular-reniform, 3-5 cm

across, crenate or sub-entire, glabrous, nerves radiating; petiole to 12 cm long, sheathing
at base. Flowers sessile, pink, in 2-5 flowered umbels; peduncles 1-2 cm long, axillary.
Calyx tube 1 mm long, adnate to the ovary, lobes minute. Petals 4, 1 mm long, oblong,
recurved at apex, pink. Stamens 5, filaments erect. Ovary 2-celled, cell 1-ovuled, style
erect, bilobed at apex. Fruit ovoid, 3-4 mm long, reticulate-rugose, 7-9-ribbed.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban., FPM 556(392).1919

RUBIACEAE

1a. Large prominent white petaloid sepal present..........................…………......Mussaenda

1b. Petaloid sepal absent…………………………………….........................................….1

2a. Slightly prostrate…………………………………………...........................Oldenlandia

36
2b. Highly erect……………………………………………………....................................2

3a. Long corolla tube………………………………………….........................Spermacoce

3b. Short corolla tube ………………………………………………................Mitracarpus

1. MITRACARPUS

Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) Dc.

Erect pubescent herbs. Leaves simple, opposite, 2-4 x 1.5-2 cm, ovate or ovate-lanceolate,
base obtuse, apex acute, membranous, sessile; stipule pectinate. Flowers white,
verticillate in axillary fascicles, 4-merous; bracteoles filiform. Calyx-tube small,
unequally 4-lobed, larger 2 lobes 1 mm long. Corolla 1.5 mm long, funnel-shaped; lobes
4. Stamens 4, attached at throat. Ovary 2-locular, ovule 1-per locule. Capsule 1 mm long,
ovoid; seeds 2, minute.

2. MUSSAENDA

Mussaenda frondosa L.

Straggling shrubs; branchlets pubescent. Leaves simple, opposite, 6-10 x 4-6 cm, broadly
ovate, caudate acuminate at apex, base rounded, sparsely hairy on both surfaces; petiole
to 1.5 cm long; stipules 3-4 mm long, ovate, bifid at apex. Cymes terminal, lax,
tomentose. Flowers 5-merous. Bracts and bracteoles linear, 1-1.5 cm, hairy. Calyx-lobes
5, 0.8-1 cm long, lanceolate, hairy, one of the calyx lobes transformed into a showy,
white, pubescent, leaf-like structure, 8-12 x c. 4.5 cm. Corolla 2.5-3 cm long, funnel-
shaped dialated above middle, orange-red or yellow, tomentose outside, villous at mouth;
lobes 6-7 mm long, ovatelanceolate. Stamens 5, included or exserted. Berry c. 1 cm
across, globose.

Mussaenda frondosa L., FPM 610(430).1921

3. SPERMACOCE

1a. Quadrangular stem………………………………………...............................S.latifolia

1b. Absence of quadrangular stem……………………………….....................S.auricularis

37
Spermacoce articularis L. F.

Diffuse herbs; stem 4-angled, adpressed minutely hairy. Leaves 1-2.5 x 0.8 - 1.4 cm,
elliptic or obovate, base attenuate, margin flat, rarely flexuous, apex obtuse, acute,
apiculate, more or less scabrid on both sides; stipules with long subulate hispid bristles.
Flowers in axillary, fewflowered sessile clusters. Calyx-tube obovoid; lobes 2, c. 1.5 mm
long, with 2 intermediate teeth, hairy. Corolla pinkish-white, tube funnel-shaped, usually
much longer than lobes, c. 2.5 mm long, with a ring of hairs inside. Stamens 4, exserted.
Capsule 4-6 x 3-4 mm, globose, hispid, 2-valved, splitting septicidally into two mericarps
then septumditaches from the valves, releasing the seeds. Seeds 2-3 mm long, oblong,
brown, reticulate.

Spermacoce latifolia Aubl.

Diffuse herbs; stem 4-angled and prominently winged, hispid. Leaves 2-5 x 1.5 - 3.5 cm,
broadly elliptic or ovate, base rounded or cuneate, apex acute, loosely hispid on both
sides, lateral veins prominent; stipules sheathing, with subulate hispid bristles. Flowers in
axillary few-flowered cymes. Calyx tube c. 1.5 mm long; lobes ovate-acuminate, unequal.
Corolla white, c. 4 mm long, hairy at throat; lobes 4. Stamens attached at throat between
the lobes. Capsule 2.5-4 mm long, ellipsoid, densely pubescent. Seeds 2, 1.5-2 mm long,
ellipsoid, reticulate-rugose on dorsal side.

4. OLDENLANDIA

Oldenlandia corymbosa L.

Diffuse or spreading prostrate herbs; stem 4-angled. Leaves simple, opposite, 1-2.5 x 0.2-
0.4 cm, linear-lanceolate, acute at apex, base attenuate, scabrid on margins; stipules
sheathing. Flowers 2-6 in a corymb; 4-merous; peduncles 4-8 mm long. Calyx tube c. 1
mm long, lobes minute. Corolla white; tube c. 1 mm long with a ring of hairs at throat.
Stamens 4 inserted at corolla base. Capsules c. 2 mm across, subglobose, loculicidal,
dehiscing at top only; seeds minute, trigonous.

Oldenlandia corymbosa L., FPM 600(423).1921

38
 COMPOSITAE

1a. Plants are shrubs……………………………………………….................Chromolaena

1b. Plants are herbs……………………………………………………...............................1

2a. Lobed leaf…………………………………………………………...............................2

2b. Not lobed……………………………………………………………………................3

3a. Highly lobed leaf………………………………………………................……Grangea

3b. Least lobed………………………………………….………………....................Tridax

4a. Underside of leaf not hairy……………………………………………….....................4

4b. Underside of leaf is hairy…………………………………………................Synedrella

5a. Presence of ray floret………………………………………………………..................5

5b. Absence of ray floret………………………………………………................Ageratum

6a. Attractive ray floret……………………………………………….............Shagneticola

6b. Ray floret are not attractive……………………………………………...........……….6

7a. Elongated leaves………………………………………………………................Eclipta

7b. Leaves are not elongated……………………………………………………................7

8a. Rose coloured flower………………………………………………….................Emilia

8b. Not rose coloured…………………………………………………………...................8

9a. Violet coloured flower…………………………….....................................Cyanthillium

9b. Not violet coloured…………………………………………………………………….9

10a. Small flower………………………………………….........................Eleutheranthera

10b. Large flower………………………………………………………..................Acmella

11a. Corolla not slender……………,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,………………………………………….10

11b. Corolla slender………………………………………………………………...Blumea

39
 1. ACMELLA

Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen

Procumbent herbs, stem scabrid. Leaves 3-4 x 2-2.5 cm, ovate, apex acute, scabrous
above and below; petiole 1 cm long. Heads 10 x 7 mm, solitary, conical; peduncles to 10
cm long, bracts 4 x 2 mm, ovate, obtuse, glandular; receptacle spicate, paleaceous.
Flowers similar; corolla tubular, 2.5 mm long, campanulate above; lobes 0.5 mm long,
ovate, acute, glabrous; anthers black. Achenes 2 x 1 mm, obovate, biconvex, dark brown,
glandular.

Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen., FPM 708(498) .1921

2. AGERATUM

Ageratum conyzoides L.

Herbs, viscid hairy. Leaves 5-7 x 3-5 cm, ovate, apex acute, crenate, base rounded; petiole
1-3 cm long. Heads white, to 7 mm across, in terminal corymbose panicle; bracts 1-3-
seriate, 3-4 mm long, elliptic, toothed at apex, 3-ribbed. Flowers all similar, bisexual;
corolla 2.5 mm long, tubular, white, glabrous, 5-lobed at apex; stamens 5, anthers linear.
Achenes 2 mm long, linear, 5-angled, hirsute along the angles; pappus 3-4 mm long,
many, setaceous.

Ageratum conyzoides L. FPM 677(476).1921

3. BLUMEA

Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC.

Herbs, 30-70 cm high; stems strigose. Leaves to 5 x 3 cm, obovate, obtuse, glandular
serrate, covered with simple and glandular hairs, nearly sessile. Heads 5 x 6 mm, in
axillary and terminal thyrsiform clusters; peduncle strigose; bracts 5 mm long, linear,
hairy; outer smaller. Bisexual flowers around 10, central; corolla 3 mm long, glandular.
Female flowers many; corolla slender. Achenes ellipsoid, ribbed, hairy; pappus 3 mm
long.

Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC., FPM 686(483). 1921.

40
 4. CHROMOLAENA

Chromolaena odorata (L.)

Shrubs, glandular hairy. Leaves simple, opposite, 8-12 x 5-8 cm, ovate, apex acute, base
cuneate, crenate, hispid; petiole 2-3 cm long, cylindrical-oblong. Heads to 10 mm long, in
terminal corymbose cymes; bracts 3-5-seriate, to 8 mm long, ovate, obtuse; outer smaller,
inner linear, acute, 3-ribbed. Flowers few to many, similar, bisexual; corolla 5 mm long,
white, tubular, 5-lobed, pubescent at apex. Achenes 4 mm long, linear, 5-angled,
scabrous, black; pappus many, 4-7 mm long, setaceous, yellowish.

5. CYATHILLIUM

Cyanthillium cinereus (L.) H. Roxb.

Cyanthillium cinereum is an annual herb up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall. It produces flat-topped

arrays of numerous flower heads, each with pinkish or purplish disc florets but no ray
florets.

6. ECLIPTA

Eclipta prostrata (L.)

Herbs, caespitose, up to 25 cm high; stems terete, appressed strigose. Leaves simple,

opposite, 1-3 x 0.2-0.5 cm, oblong, oblong-lanceolate or oblong-elliptic, acute or
subacuminate at apex, cuneate at base, entire, densely strigose, sessile or subsessile.
Heads 4-5 mm across; peduncles appressed strigose, 2-4 mm long. Involucral bracts in 2
rows; outer bracts 5, ovate-elliptic, ca 3.5 x 2.5 mm, subacuminate at apex, cuneate at
base, strigose outside, glabrous inside; inner bracts 5, elliptic-obovate, ca 3 x 1.5 mm,
subacuminate at apex, cuneate at base, sparsely strigose outside, glabrous inside. Ray
florets 2-3- seriate, female, ca 4 mm long. Sepals minute, ovate, acute, membraneous.
Corolla ca 2.5 mm long; tube ca 0.8 mm long; limb ca 1.6 mm long, with 2 unequal,
obtuse-tipped lobes at apex. Disk florets numerous, ca 3 mm long. Corolla campanulate,
ca 1.6 mm long; lobes 4, ovate, ciliate on margin. Stamens 4 or 5, sagittate. Ovary 1.1-1.2
mm long, hairy at apex; style branches 2, pubescent. Palea ca 2.2 mm long, hairy in the
upper two-third portion. Achenes yellowish brown to brown, oblong-turbinate,
dorsiventrally compressed and sharply angled, hairy at apex; pappus of partially or
completely united scales forming a cone at the apex.

41
Eclipta prostrata (L.)., FPM 705(496).1921

7. ELEUTHERANTHERA

Eleutheranthera ruderalis (W.) Sch. Bip

Annual herbs; stem glabrescent. Leaves 2.5-5.5 x 2-3.5 cm, ovate or ovate-oblong, base
cuneate, sometimes oblique, apex acute or subobtuse, pubescent on both surfaces, 3-
nerved from base; petiole to 1 cm long. Heads 6-12-flowered, axillary, homogamous,
non-rayed; peduncle 0.2-1 cm long, erect at first, becomes curved in fruit. Involucral
bracts in 2 series, outer leafy, 5-8 x 2-3 mm. Flowers bisexual. Corolla yellow, tubular, 3-
4 mm long, 5-lobed. Anthers sagittate at base. Achenes 3-3.5 mm long, obovoid, slightly
angled, tubercled, finely pubescent.

8. EMILIA

Emilia sonchifolia (L.) Dc. Ex Dc.

Erect or diffuse herbs. Leaves radical and cauline; radical leaves 4-10 x 1-3 cm,
lyratepinnatifid with large terminal lobes, semi-orbicular; cauline leaves small, obovate to
spathulate. Heads homogamous, not rayed, 1-3 on long slender peduncles. Involucral
bracts cylindric, uniseriate, 6-8 mm long, oblong-lanceolate. Florets bisexual. Corolla
pink, 3-3.5 mm long, wider to the mouth, lobes 5. Stamens 5; anthers 1-1.5 mm long.
Ovary c. 1.5 mm long; stylearms acute. Achenes 1-2 mm long, 5-ribbed, hispid; pappus
white silky, 5-6 mm long.

Emilia sonchifolia (L.) Dc. Ex Dc., FPM 716(503).1921

9. GRANGEA

Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir.

Prostrate herbs, densely hispid. Leaves alternate, 2-3 x 1.5 cm, oblanceolate, irregularly
pinnate-lobed, base auricled, sessile. Heads 8 mm across, globose, axillary, solitary,
pedunculate; bracts 2-3 seriate; 5 mm long, oblong, obtuse, hairy; receptacle convex,
naked. Outer few rows of flowers female; corolla 2 mm long, slender, tubular, yellow.
Inner flowers bisexual; corolla 2 mm long, campanulate, 5-lobed; anthers obtuse at base.
Achenes obovate, compressed, hispid along margins; pappus a fimbriate crown.
Grangeama deraspatana (L.) Poir., FPM 670(478).1921

42
 10. SPHAGNETICOLA

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski.

Spreading, mat-forming perennial herb up to 30 cm in height. Has rounded stems up to

40cm long, rooting at nodes and with the flowering stems ascending. Leaves are fleshy,
hairy, 4–9cm long and 2–5 cm wide, serrate or irregularly toothed, normally with pairs of
lateral lobes, and dark green above and lighter green below. Peduncles are 3–10 cm long;
involucres are campanulate to hemispherical, about 1 cm high; chaffy bracts are
lanceolate, rigid. The flowers are bright yellow ray florets of about 8-13 per head, rays are
6–15 mm long; disk-corollas 4–5 mm long. The pappus is a crown of short fimbriate
scales. The seeds are tuberculate achenes, 4–5 mm long. Propagation is mostly
vegetatively as seeds are usually not fertile.

11. SYNEDRELLA

Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn.

Erect branches herbs; stem adpressed hairy. Leaves simple, opposite, 4-8 x 2-4 cm,
ellipticovate, apex acute, base cuneate to truncate, narrowly winged on the petiole, margin
serrate, scabrous on both sides, basally 3-nerved; petiole to 3 cm. Heads solitary, axillary
and terminal, few-flowered, 0.5-1 cm across, radiate. Phyllaries 2-seriate; outer
foliaceous, inner paleaceous. Flowers heterogamous, yellow. Ray flowers: female; corolla
tube 2-2.5 mm long; ligule 1-2 mm long, 2-3-lobed; ovary 3 mm long, oblong, winged;
style-arms acute. Disc flowers; bisexual; corolla tube 2-3 mm long, lobes 5; stamens 5,
included, ovary 2-3 mm long. achenes 3-4 mm long, dimorphic: of ray florets dorsally
compressed, with lacerate wings; of disc florets trigonous, not winged, with 2 or 3 rigid
awns.

Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn., FPM 708(498).1921

12. TRIDAX

Tridax procumbens L.

Procumbent herbs. Leaves simple, opposite, 3-6 x 1.5-3 cm, ovate, apex acute, serrate,
bulbousbased hairy; petiole 5-10 mm long. Heads 1.3 x 1.5 cm, solitary, on long
peduncles; bracts in 3-series, lanceolate, hairy. Outer row of flowers ligulate, female,

43
limb 3 x 2 mm, 3-toothed, white; inner flowers bisexual, tubular; corolla 6 mm long, 5-
lobed at apex, yellow. Achenes 2 mm long, obovoid, densely hairy; pappus many,
setaceous.

Tridax procumbens L., FPM 711(500).1921

MENYANTHACEAE

1. NYMPHOIDES

Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) O. Ktze.

Rhizomatous annuals or perennials; rhizome 0.5-1.5 cm thick. Primary fertile shoots

many, uniphyllous, arising from the axils of scales on the rhizome. Secondary shoots zig-
zag, sympodial, many-jointed, each joint bearing a single floating leaf. Leaves all fertile,
floating, 6-10 cm across, ovate to orbicular, base deeply cordate, gland-dotted below,
membranous; petiole to 2.5 cm long. Flowers bisexual and female, in umbellate clusters
of 10 -20 at the junction of the branch and petiole; pedicels 3-4.5 cm long. Calyx deeply
5-partite; lobes 3-5 mm long, narrowly lanceolate. Corolla white with a yellow throat;
tube c. 2 mm long with a ring of glandular hairs at the throat; lobes 5, 7-8 x 3-4 mm, with
flexuous, membranous wings on the margins and a similar median longitudinal crest
within. Stamens 5, highly reduced in female flowers. Ovary bottle-shaped with 5, minute,
orbicular, disc glands at the base; stigmas 2-lobed. Capsule to 14 mm long, oblong. Seeds
4-6 in each capsule, to 2 mm across, discoid, brown.

Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) O. Ktze., FPM 883(620).1923

BORAGINACEAE

1a. Plants are erect………………………………………..……………..……Heliotropium

1b. Plants are not erect………………………………………………….…………Coldenia

1.COLDENIA

Coldenia procumbens L.

Trailing herbs, stem and leaves softly white villous. Leaves alternate, 1.5-3 x 0.5-1.5 cm,
obliquely obovate or subpinnatifid, apex emarginate, base cuneate, margin irregularly

44
dentate; lateral veins impressed above. Inflorescence axillary few-flowered sessile cymes
or some times solitary. Calyx 4-lobed; lobes ovate-acute, ciliate. Corolla white, 2 mm
long, tube 1 mm long; lobes 4, imbricate in buds. Stamens 4, included. Ovary 4-lobed, 4-
locular; ovule 1-per locule.

Drupe of 4 subconnate pyrenes, 1.5-2 mm across, subglobose.

Coldenia procumbens L., FPM 892(627).1923

2. HELIOTROPIUM

Heliotropium indicum L.

Erect, branched, pubescent herbs. Leaves simple, opposite, 11 x 6 cm, sub-deltoid or

broadly ovate, apex acute,baseturncate, margin undulate, chartaceous; petiole 3-6 cm
long. Flowers sessile, in terminal or leaf-opposed curved, to 20 cm long spikes. Calyx-
lobes 5, 1.5-2 mm long, linear, acute. Corolla pale violet or pink, salver-form; tube 3-4
mm long, slightly constricted distally, 5 -lobed; lobes c. 1 mm long, ovate. Stamens 5,
subsessile, free. Ovary weakly 4 -lobed; stigma conical. Nutlets connate in pairs,
separating later, ribbed, each nutlet 2-3 mm long.

Heliotropium indicum L., FPM896(630).1923

CONVOLVULACEAE

1a. Leaves highly lobed…………………………..……………………..…………Ipomoea

1b. Leaves are not much lobed……………………..…….……………….……………….1

2a. Not twinning stem……………………………………………..……….....….Evolvulus

2b. Twinnig stem………………………………………………………..….……Merremia

3a. Capsule ovoid……………………………………………………….…….…….Aniseia

3b. Capsule subglobose………………………………….………………………...Hewittia

45
 1. ANISEIA

Aniseia martinicensis (Jacq.) Choisy

Slender wiry climbers. Leaves 2-4.5 x 1-1.8 cm, linear-lanceolate, emarginate with
mucronate tip, attenuate at base, olive green on drying. Flowers solitary, axillary, rarely in
2-3 flowered cymes. Peduncles 1-2 cm long; fruiting pedicels much longer, upto 5 cm.
Pedicels 0.5-1 cm long, 2-3 subulate bracts present at base of pedicel. Sepals 5, foliar, 1-
1.5 x 0.6-0.8 cm, elliptic, acute at apex. Corolla white, campanulate; tube 2-2.5 cm long;
limb spreading, subentire, both tube and limb pubescent without. Stamens 5, included.
Ovary 0.3-0.4 cm long, ovoid, 2-celled; ovules 2 in each cell; style single; stigma 2,
capitate. Capsules 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 cm, ovoid, 4seeded. Seeds 1-1.5 cm long, 1 cm wide and
ovoid.

Aniseia martinicensis (Jacq.) Choisy., FPM 649(649). 1923.

2. EVOLVULUS

Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L.

Slender prostrate perennial herbs. Leaves simple, subopposite to alternate, 5-15 x 4-10
mm, broadly ovate to orbicular, apex obtuse to emarginate, base subcordate, glabrous or
sparsely hairy below; petiole to 5 mm long. Flowers 1-2, in leaf-axils; pedicels slender 2-
5 mm long. Calyx lobes 5, free, 2-3.5 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, ciliate on
margins. Corolla white, 6-8 mm across, rotate. Stamens subexserted. Capsule 3-4 mm
across, globose; seeds brown to black.

3. HEWITTIA

Hewittia malabarica (L.) Suresh

Stem twining or prostrate, pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, 4-7 x 3-4 cm, ovate, apex
acute, base cordate, margin entire or angled, puberulent, basally 3-nerved; petiole to 6 cm
long. Flowers in axillary 1 to few-flowered peduncled cymes; bract linear-lanceolate,
attached to little below the calyx. Sepals 5, outer 3 larger, accrescent, inner 2 smaller.
Corolla yellowish or cream coloured with a purple centre, c. 3 cm across, campanulate,
limb shallowly 5-lobed. Stamens included; filaments dilated at base. Ovary imperfectly 2-

46
locular; ovules 2-per ocule; stigma 2. Capsule 4-valved, 8-10 mm across, subglobose;
seeds 4 or less, 5-6 mm long, subtrigonous, black.

Hewittia malabarica (L.) Suresh., FPM 924(649). 1923

4. IPOMOEA

1a. Flowers solitary or few in cymes……………………………………………I. aquatica

1b. Flowers aggregated in umbellate cymes……………………………………....I. triloba

Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.

Creeping or floating aquatic herbs, stems hollow, rooting at the nodes. Leaves alternate,
varies in form, usually oblong-lanceate or narrowly triangular, 5-10 by 2-6 cm, base
hastate, apex acute; petiole 6-10 cm long. Flowers purplish-white, solitary or few in
cymes. Sepals subequal, 6-8 mm long, oblong-lanceolate, membranous, glabrous. Corolla
funnel-form, c. 5 cm long, pale purple to nearly white, tube to 2 cm long, lobes obscure.
Stamens included, filaments unequal, hairy at the base. Ovary glabrous. Capsule globose;
seeds 4 or 2, minutely pubescent.

Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., FPM 916(643).1923

Ipomoea triloba L.

Twiners. Leaves broadly ovate, entire to deeply 3-lobed, 4-10 x 3-8 cm, base cordate,
margin often deeply dentate, apex acuminate-apiculate, chartaceous; petiole 1-10 cm
long. Flowers aggregated in umbellate cymes; peduncle c. 10 cm long; bracts minute;
calyx-lobes sub-equal, elliptic-ovate, densely hairy without; corolla pinkish purple, c. 23
cm across, funnel-shaped. Capsule subglobose, densely hispid. Seeds glabrous except at
one margin.

5. MERREMIA

Merremia tridentata (Burm. Fil) Hall.

A slender, perennial, prostrate herb with angular stems. Leaves are Various in shape and
size, but deeply emarginated and 3-toothed at the apex, cordate at base, the basal lobes
clasping the stem, petioles very short or 0. Inflorescence are Axillary solitary. Flowers:

47
Calyx infundibuliform, outer sepals shorter than inner. Corolla pale yellow. Fruit are Pale
brown, glabrous, seeds trigonous, glabrous.

SOLANACEAE

1. SOLANUM

Solanum torvum Sw.

Shrubs to 2 m tall; stem densely stellate-hairy when young; prickles few, scattered.
Leaves 714 x 5-10 cm, ovate, usually coarsely 2-3-sinulate, apex acute, base obliquely
subcordate, stellately pubescent on both sides, dense on lower sides, chartaceous,
scattered with a few prickles on midrib and on petiole; lateral nerves 4 or 5 pairs; petioles
1.5 - 3.5 cm long. Inflorescence supra-axillary, many-flowered corymbose cymes;
peduncle to 5 cm long. Calyx tube 2-2.5 mm long, campanulate, lobes oblong. Corolla
white, c. 2.5 cm across; lobes 5-6 mm long, ovate, pubescent outside. Berry 1-1.5 cm
across, globose, pale green turning dull orange; seeds discoid, smooth.

Solanum torvum Sw., FPM 937(658).1923

SCROPHULARIACEAE

1a. Presence of two types of leaves……………………………………….……Limnophila

1b. Leaves simple………………………………………….........…………………………1

2a. Leaves are serrate…………………………………………………….………Scoparia

2b. Leaves are least serrated………………………………………………………………2

3a. Stems are highly tufted……………………………………………………...Stemodia

3b. Stems are least tufted…………………………………………………….…...Lindernia

1. LIMNOPHILA

Limnophila aquatica (Roxb.) Alston

Stem rooting at lower nodes, then erect and up to 40 cm high, with basal part usually
submerged, thick, tumid at nodes. Upper leaves opposite or in verticils of 2-3, ovate-
lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 2.8-6.6 x 0.8-1.9 cm, rounded and semi-amplexicaul at

48
base, acuminate at apex, finely spinulose-serrate, strongly 3-5-nerved at base, glabrous on
both surfaces, punctate above; lower ones in verticils of more or less 10-12, pinnately
dissected, upto 5.8 cm long, often deflexed and root-like. Flowers numerous, in terminal
racemes 5-18 cm long; peduncles finely glandular-hispid. Bracts ovate to broadly
lanceolate, 5-7 x 3-4 mm, subacuminate at apex, finely glandular-pubescent on both
surfaces. Pedicels 2-6 mm long, finely glandular-pubescent. Calyx tube 2-3 mm long;
lobes more or less equal, ovatelanceolate, 2-3 x 0.75 mm, long acuminate, scarious at
margins. Corolla tube pale greenish white to white, 7-10 mm long, puberulous without,
villous within at throat; limb white or pale blue or pale mauve; lobes of upper lip broadly
orbicular with a pale purple blotch at centre of each; lower lip 9-17 mm across, midlobe
broader than lateral ones. Posterior filaments 2-3 mm long, anterior ones longer; anther
cells horizontally placed. Style glabrous. Capsule globose, 34 x 2-3 mm, enclosed by
longer calyx lobes, tipped by withered style, glabrous; seeds oblongcuneate to globular,
0.5-0.7 mm long, quadrangular, muricate.

Limnophila aquatica (Roxb.) Alston., FPM 952(668). 1923

2. LINDERNIA

1a. Plants that are prostrate……………………………………..………………L. antipoda

1b. Plants that are not prostrate…………………………………………………………....1

2a. Corolla pink or bluish-pink…………………………………………..……..…L. ciliata

2b. Corolla long, white with blue blotches at mouth………………………...L.rotundifolia

3a. Stamens didynamous………………………………………...…………….L. crustacea

3b. Stamens not didynamous………………………………………………………………2

4a. Seeds pale yellow, tuberculate……………………………………..……..L. sessiliflora

4b. Seeds straw-coloured, shortly cylindric…………….................................…..L. viscosa

Lindernia antipoda (L.).

Prostrate or diffuse herbs, rooting at the nodes. Leaves simple, opposite, variable 1.5-2.5
x 0.51 cm, elliptic-obovate, apex obtuse, base cuneate, margin subentire to serrate;
penninerved, subsessile. Flowers solitary, axillary or in terminal racemes; bracts leafy;

49
pedicle to 1 cm long. Calyx divided to the base; lobes c. 4 mm long, lanceolate, margin
scarious. Corolla bluish with an yellow mouth, 6-8 mm long, internally short pilose
between the staminodes. Stamens 2, fertile; staminodes 2, hooked. Capsule 1-1.4 cm long,
linear-lanceolate; seeds yellow, ridged.

Lindernia antipoda (L.)., FPM 962(675). 1923

Lindernia ciliata (Colsm.) Pennell

Small erect annual herbs. Leaves simple, opposite, 0.8-1.5 x 0.4-0.6 cm, elliptic-oblong,
apex obtuse or acute, base rounded, margin aristate-dentate, penninerved, sessile. Flowers
in lax terminal racemes; pedicels 1-2 mm long; bracts leafy, 2-3 mm long. Calyx-lobes 5,
ca 5 mm long, linear. Corolla pink or bluish-pink, 8 mm long, tube curved, 2-lipped.
Stamens 2; anthers unequal; staminodes with divergent hooks. Ovary 2 -3 mm long,
elongate. Capsule 1-1.5 cm long, linear, septum winged, exceeding the fruiting calyx;
seeds black.

Lindernia ciliata (Colsm.) Pennell., FPM 962(675). 1923

Lindernia crustacea (L.) Muell.

Prostrate, diffusely branched herbs, rooting at nodes; stem 4-angled, slightly winged on
angles. Leaves simple, opposite, 0.8-1.5 x 0.7-1.2 cm, ovate, apex subacute, base
truncate, margin serrate, penninerved; petiole c. 5 mm long. Flowers axillary, solitary or
2-per node on terminal racemes; pedicel 1-1.2 cm long. Calyx 4 mm long, divided to 1/3,
5-ribbed, lobes ellipticlanceolate, ciliate on margins. Corolla rose to purple, tube 5 mm
long. Stamens 4, didynamous; lower pair of stamens with a subulate appendage at the
middle of filament. Ovary globose. Capsule c. 5 mm long, 2-3 mm across, ovoid; seeds
minute, many.

Lindernia crustacea (L.) Muell., FPM 959(673).1923

Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Mukerjee

Erect or diffuse herbs, rooting at lower nodes. Leaves 0.8-1.3 x 0.5-1 cm, ovate to
orbicular, base and apex rounded, margin crenate to subentire, basally 3-nerved, sessile.
Flowers solitary in leaf axils; pedicle 0.5-1 cm long, slender. Calyx deeply divided, lobes
5, 2-2.5 x 1 mm, lanceolate. Corolla c. 1 cm long, white with blue blotches at mouth and

50
lobes; lobes orbicular. Stamens 2; staminodes 2, glandular-scabrid at base. Stigma 2-
lamellate. Capsule c. 3 mm long, subglobose, equal to or slightly shorter than calyx.
Seeds c. 0.5 mm long, oblong, pale brown.

Lindernia rotundifolia (L.)., FPM 962(675). 1923.

Lindernia sessiliflora (Benth.) Wettst.

Annual herbs; stem creeping and rooting at the nodes; branches to 15 cm long, 4-angled,
pubescent mainly on the angles. Leaves 1.5-3.5 x 1.3-2.8 cm, broadly ovate to
suborbicular, base rounded, decurrent on petiole, margins crenate-serrate, apex rounded,
nerves 2-4 pairs, subcoriaceous, glabrous above, pubescent on nerves beneath; petiole up
to 8 mm long. Flowers axillary, usually solitary or 2-3, c. 8 mm long, usually sessile,
sometimes with pedicels up to 5 mm long. Calyx-tube 4-5 mm long, ribbed, ciliate, 5-
lobed; lobes unequal, upper lobe up to 4 mm long, others shorter, 2- 3 mm long, narrowly
lanceolate to linear-sabulate, pubescent without. Corolla 7-9 mm long, white; tube 5 -6
mm long; upper lip entire, 2-3 mm long, brown, lower lip distinctly 3-lobed. Stamens 4,
all fertile; anterior filaments with a thick, rounded papillose spur at the base. Capsule 0.8-
1.2 x 0.2-0.3 cm, ellipsoid, cylindric. Seeds many, 0.5-0.75 x 0.5 mm, ellipsoid, pale
yellow, tuberculate.

Lindernia sessiliflora (Benth.) Wettst., FPM 959(673). 1923

Lindernia viscosa (Hornem.) Merr.

Erect or diffuse hirsute annual herbs, rooting at lower nodes. Leaves 1.5-5 x 1-3 cm,
broadly ovate, oblong or obovate, base rounded or truncate, margin crenate-serrate, apex
obtuse, hirsute on both surfaces, penninerved; petiole to 1.5 long; upper leaves much
smaller and subsessile. Inflorescence a terminal lax, many-flowered raceme; peduncle
sparsely glandular-pubescent; pedicels 5-8 mm long, glandular-pubescent; bracts minute,
lanceolate. Calyx deeply 5-lobed almost to the base, glandular hispid; lobes 3-4 mm long,
linear-lanceolate. Corolla c. 5 mm long, upper lip pale brown, lower lip white with yellow
spots at mouth. Stamens 4; longer pair of filaments with a knee-like appendage. Capsule
c. 2.5 mm long, ovoid, glabrous, slightly shorter than the calyx lobes. Seeds straw-
coloured, shortly cylindric.

Lindernia viscosa (Hornem.) Merr., FPM 959(673). 1923

51
 3. SCOPARIA

Scoparia dulcis L.

Erect annual or perennial herbs. Leaves simple, decussate to whorled, 1-3 x 0.5-1.5 cm,
obovate-oblong, apex acute, base attenuate, margin crenate-serrate, penninerved,
punctate, chartaceous; petiole to 0.7 cm long. Flowers axillary, solitary or 2; pedicels
slender 4-7 mm long. Calyx lobes 2-3 mm, ovate-oblong, ciliate along margin. Corolla
white 4-6 mm long, rotate, throat densely hairy, lobes spathulate. Stamens 4, subequal, 3-
4 mm long. Ovary globose, 2-celled; ovules many; stigma truncate. Capsules 1-2 mm
across, globose; seeds 4angled, reticulate.

Scoparia dulcis L., FPM 964(678).1924

4. STEMODIA

Stemodia verticillata (Mill.)

Annual herb. Stem tufted, erect, up to 14 cm high, much branched, densely hirsute. Lower
leaves opposite, upper ones in verticils of 3, broadly ovate, 0.7-1.5 x 0.4-1.4 cm, truncate
at base, subacute at apex, coarsely crenate-serrate, penninerved, punctate above, scabrid
along nerves beneath; petioles 3-10 mm long, densely and minutely glandular-hispid.
Flowers axillary, solitary. Pedicels 1 mm long. Calyx lobes subequal, linear-lanceolate,
2.5-3.5 x 0.6 mm, acuminate at apex, minutely glandular-hispid without. Corolla 5.5 mm
long; tube cylindric, 3-4 mm long, minutely glandular pilose without, pale green, with
longitudinal dull purple lines; upper lip 2- lobed at apex, with clavate hairs at base; lower
lip 2 mm across, with obovate-orbicular lobes, midlobe broader than lateral ones.
Filaments glabrous, anterior pair 1.5-2 mm long, posterior pair shorter; posterior anther-
cells unequally paired. Style short; stigma bent. Capsule orbicular, 2.5-3 x 3 mm,
biconvex, shorter than calyx, glabrous, 4-valved; seeds cuneiform, 0.5 mm long, truncate
at both ends, longitudinally ribbed, reticulate in between ribs, dark brown.

52
 LENTIBULARIACEAE

1. UTRICULARIA

Utricularia aurea Lour.

Suspended aquatic herbs; rhizoids usually absent; stolon up to 1 m long, c. 2.5 mm thick,
floating below the surface of water, branched. Foliar organs semi-verticillate, repeatedly
dichotomously branched, upto 6 cm long, ultimate segments capillary, terete, setulose.
Traps numerous, 2-5 mm across, ovoid or obovoid, lateral on the secondary and tertiary
segments, green, turning black with age, stalked; mouth lateral, oblique; appendages
usually 2 or more in number. Racemes arising at intervals on the stolons, to 20 cm long;
scales absent; bracts basifixed, 1-2 mm long, ovate. Flowers up to 12 mm long; pedicels
to 1.5 cm long, recurved and distally thickened in fruit. Calyx-lobes subequal, 2-3 mm
long, ovate, becoming much larger and reflexing in fruit. Corolla yellow; upper lip erect,
c. 5 x 4 mm, suborbicular, obtuse at apex; lower lip c. 6 x 9 mm, more or less obovate,
hairy in throat, bigibbous at base; spur more or less equal to lower lip, in length. Stamens
2; filaments curved, 1- 1.5 mm long. Ovary ovoid; stigma 2-lipped. Capsule up to 5 mm
across, globose with a long beak, circumscissile. Seeds disk-shaped, angular, margin
winged.

Urticularia aurea Lour., FPM 980(689).1924.

ACANTHACEAE

1a. Spines present………………………………………………………………Hygrophila

1b. Spines absent……………………………………………………………………….….1

2a. Calyx lobe linear…………………………………………………………….....Justicia

2b. Calyx lobe not linear…………………………………………………………..….…...2

3a. Seeds containing long pods………………………………………………..……Ruellia

3b. Seeds doesn’t have long pods…………………………………………………………3

53
 1. HYGROPHILA

Hygrophila schulli (Hamilt.)

Subshrubs, strigose-hispid, with sharp thorns. Leaves in whorls of 8, unequal, 6-10 x 2-4
cm, linear-lanceolate, apex acute, base cuneate, margins dentate and wavy, larger pair,
sessile. Thorns 2-3 cm long, axillary. Flowers in axillary whorls; bracts and bracteoles
leafy, 1.2 cm long; calyx lobes 4, larger lobe 1 cm long; corolla pink, 1.5 cm long,
bilipped, lobes obtuse, ciliate. Capsule 1 cm long; seeds orbicular, 3 mm across.
Hygrophila schulli (Hamilt.)., FPM 1015(712). 1924

2. JUSTICIA

Justicia japonica Thumb.

Erect or decumbent herbs, branchlets strigose-hispid. Leaves simple, opposite, 2 x 1.5 cm,
ovate or linear, apex acute, sparsely scabrous above and strigose below, lateral nerves 5-7
pairs; petiole to 2 mm long. Spike 4-8 cm, cylindric; bracts and bracteoles ovate,
scarious-margined, softly hairy, 4 mm long. Calyx lobes linear, margins scarious, ciliate,
4 mm long. Corolla 4-5 mm long, pubescent outside; upper lip ovate, subtruncate or
rounded, 2-fid; lower suborbicular with 3 short rounded lobes. Staminal filament hairy at
the base. Capsule pubescent, 4 mm long; seeds 1 mm long, concentrically rugose.

Justicia japonica Thumb., FPM 1080(756).1924

3.RUELLA

1a. Prostrate to suberect herb…………………………………………………R.prostrata

1b. Glabrescent herb…………………………………………………………...R. tuberosa

Ruella prostrata Poir.

Prostrate to suberect herb with ovate sparsely hairy 2-3 cm long leaves; flowers pale
purple to nearly white, few together or solitary; 2.5 cm long, tube expanded above.

Ruellia tuberosa L.

Glabrescentherbs, 25-45 cm tall; rootstock with numerous fleshy tubers. Leaves 3.2-8.5 x
1.84 cm, elliptic-obovate or obovate-oblong, base cuneate to attenuate, apex obtuse;

54
petiole 1-2.5 cm long. Flowers blue, c. 3 cm long, solitary or in 3-flowered cymes,
axillary or terminal; pedicel to 5 mm long; bracts and bracteoles c. 5 mm long, linear.
Calyx lobes subequal, 1.2-2 cm long, linear, acute, ciliate. Corolla c. 3.5 cm across; tube
c. 3 cm long; lobes subequal, rounded. Stamens 4, included; filaments hairy below;
anthers 3-4 mm long, sagittate, puberulous; staminode linear. Style c. 2 mm long; stigma
2-lamellate, flattened, ciliate. Capsule 2-2.7 x 0.3-0.4 cm, linear-oblong, black. Seeds c. 2
mm across, orbicular, flattened, hairy.

VERBENACEAE

1. PHYLA

Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene

Prostrate herbs, rooting at nodes. Leaves simple, 1-3 x 0.8-1.5 cm, obovate-spathulate or
oblanceolate, sometimes elliptic or cuneiform, apex rounded or obtuse, base cuneate,
margin sharply serrate above the middle, fleshy, glabrescent to appressed pubescent;
petiole to 8 mm long, decurrent. Flowers 5-merous, sessile, aggregated in axillary,
globose-capitate or elongate, cylindric, stalked spikes, 1-2.5 cm long when mature and 6-
9 mm across; peduncle solitary in each axil, 1.5-6 cm long; bracts small, closely
imbricate, obovate. Calyx cupular, about equalling the corolla tube, deeply 2-cleft; lobes
lanceolate. Corolla pink to white, 2-2.5 mm long, salver-form, 2-lipped, upper lip 2-
lobed, emarginate, lower 3-lobed. Stamens 4, included. Drupe ca 2 mm long, enclosing
two, 1-celled pyrenes.

Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene., FPM 1088(762). 1924.

LAMIACEAE

1a. Leaves are highly pubescent…………………………………………………….Hyptis

1b. Leaves are least pubescent……………………………………………..………..Leucas

2a. Flowers grouped in terminal globose………………………………………Platostoma

2b. Flowers not grouped in terminal globose……………………………………………..1

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 1. HYPTIS

Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit.

Shrubs, to 1.5 m high; stem obtusely 4-angular, viscous hairy. Leaves simple, opposite, to
7 x 5 cm, ovate, acute, hispid below, glabrate above; lateral nerves 5-7 pairs; petiole to 3
cm long. Flowers in axillary short cymose racemes. Calyx tube 8 mm long, tubular, 10-
ribbed, glandular hairy, teeth spinulose, 4 mm long. Corolla 5 mm long, lobes short,
glabrous inside, blue. Stamens 4, declinate, filaments free, pubescent; anthers confluent.
Ovary 4-partite; style subentire. Nutlets 4 x 2.5 mm, oblong, compressed, with a ridge on
dorsal surface, pubescent, deep brown, mucilaginous when wet.

Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., FPM 1129(789).1924

2.LEUCAS

Leucas aspera (L.) W. T. Aiton.

Erect hirsute herbs to 40 cm tall. Leaves simple, opposite, 3-8 x 1-2 cm, linear-lanceolate,
apex acute, base cuneate, margin distantly serrate, puberulous, petiole 3 mm long.
Verticils terminal and axillary; bract linear, equalling calyx, hirsute. Calyx 6 mm long,
tubular, 10-ribbed, upper half strigose without, glabrous below; mouth oblique, 10-
toothed; teeth unequal, posterior the longer, linear, c.1 mm long. Corolla white; tube c. 6
mm long; upper lip c. 3 mm long, villous without; lower lip 7-8 mm long. Stamens 4.
Style c. 8 mm long.

Leucas aspera (L.) W. T. Aiton., FPM 1150(803).1924

3. PLATOSTOMA

Platostoma hispidum (L.) Paton

Erect annual herbs; stem 4-angled and ridged, villous along ridges. Leaves simple,
opposite, 12.5 x 0.5-1 cm, ovate-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, apex acute, base
narrowly attenuate, margins coarsely serrate, thinly pubescent on nerves beneath; petiole
to 1 cm long. Flowers grouped in terminal globose, ovoid or short cylindric heads, 0.5-1.5
cm long, subtended by a pair of floral leaves and many bracts. Calyx 2 mm long, tubular,
2-lipped, upper lip entire, lower usually 4-toothed. Corolla white turning brownish, c. 4

56
mm long, 2-lipped, upper lip subequally 4-lobed. Stamen 4, didynamous; anthers 1-
celled. Ovary 4-partite; style slender; stigma shortly 2-fid; nutlets 4, minute, smooth.

Platostoma hispidum (L.) Paton., FPM 1115(780). 1924

NYCTAGINACEAE

1. BOERHAAVIA

Boerhaavia diffusa L.

Herbs with long trailing branches; stem reddish, tomentose. Leaves simple, unequal,
ovate, obtuse, undulate along margins, truncate to subcordate at base, tomentose, very
variable in size; petiole to 1 cm long. Flowers 4 mm long, 4-10 together, in axillary or
terminal, peduncled umbels; bracts 5, ovate, glandular. Perianth pink. Stamens 3. Capsule
3 x 1 mm, clavate, 5ribbed, glandular.

Boerhaavia diffusa L., FPM 1162(814). 1925

AMARANTHACEAE

1a. Orbicular seeds……………………………………………………………………Aeva

1b. Orbicular seeds absent…………………………………………………………………1

2a. Tepals equal………………………………………………………………..Alteranthera

2b. Tepals not equal………………………………………………………………….……2

1.AERVA

Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schulf.

Herbs, white woolly tomentose. Leaves simple, alternate, 3-4 x 3 cm, orbicular to ovate,
apex obtuse, mucronate, pubescent above, densely woolly below, membranous; petiole
ca. 1 cm. Spikes axillary, to 1 cm, densely tomentose; bracts and bracteoles 1 mm, ovate;
tepals 1.5 mm, oblong, woolly mucronate; filaments basally connate, 0.5 mm, staminodes
subulate; ovary 0.4.

Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schulf., FPM 1178(825).1925

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 2. ALTERNANTHERA

1a. Perennial herbs with prostrate………………………………………....A.philoxeroides

1b. Decumbent herbs…………………………………………….…………….....A. sessilis

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb.

Perennial herbs with prostrate, fistular, striate, stem rooting at the nodes and eventually
become erect and aerial, often much branched forming dense masses. Leaves opposite, 5-
10 x 0.5-2.5 cm, elliptic to obovate-lanceolate with acute base, with midrib prominent on
the lower surface; petiole 1-6 mm long. Inflorescence axillary (occasionally terminal),
pedunculate (1-5 mm long) white, globose heads, 10-18 mm across; bracts ovate-
lanceolate, glabrous, acute, 1-veined, faintly keeled. Perianth dorsally compressed, white
glabrous; tepals 5, subequal oblonglanceolate with mucronate tip 1-5 nerved. Fertile
stamens 5, pseudo-staminodes longer than the filaments and lacerate at tips. Pollen 10-12
cm, spherical with 7 large pores, surrounded by pentagonal ridges. Ovary shortly stalked,
ovoid with slender style and capitate, densely papillose stigma.

Alteranthera sessilis(L.) R. Br. ex Dc.

Decumbent herbs, stem glabrous. Leaves simple, opposite, 3-4 x 1 cm, elliptic-oblong to
oblanceolate, apex obtuse, base attenuate into a petiole, crenate, glabrous. Spike 7-12 x 5
mm, sessile, solitary or 2-3 together; bracts and bracteoles similar, 1 mm long, broadly
ovate, acute, glabrous. Flowers yellowish red. Tepals equal, 2.5 x 1.5 mm, ovate, acute,
glabrous, 3-nerved at base. Stamens 3. Achenes 2 x 2 mm, obovoid, emarginate at apex;
seed orbicular, compressed, brown.

Alteranthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex Dc., FPM 1179(825).1925

PIPERACEAE

1. PEPEROMIA

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth.

Delicate, glabrous annual herbs; stems erect, 5-30 cm tall, pellucid, branched when well
developed. Leaves simple, alternate throughout, 1-3 cm long and wide, triangular ovate,
cordate at base with a sinus 1-2 mm deep, obtuse or shortly acuminate at apex, pellucid,

58
palmately 5-7 nerved from the base; petiole 6-15 mm long, clasping decurrent along the
stem. Spikes solitary, terminal but frequently leaf-opposed by overtopping, 2-5 cm long,
slender, axis glabrous; peduncle 2-5 cm long, about as thick as spike axis; bracts 0.2-0.3
mm in diameter. Flowers scarcely immersed. Ovary with a fleshy, oblique, subapical
stigma. Fruit sessile, about 0.8 mm long, globose-ellipsoid, with an apical stigma,
longitudinally striate-undulate, blackish brown at maturity.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth., FPM 1210(847).1925

EUPHORBIACEAE

1a. Cyathium inflorescence……………………………………………………..Euphorbia

1a. Absence of cyathium inflorescence………………………………………………….1

2a. Angular stem with elliptic-oblong leaf…………………………………….Phyllanthus

2b. Normal stem………………………………………………………………………….2

3a. Male flower condensed on upper part………………………………………..Acalypha

3b. Male flowers scattered with female …………………………………………………3

4a. Stamens 2-4…………………..……….………………………………….Microstachys

4b. Stamens numerous…………………………………………………………..…Croton

1. ACALYPHA

Acalypha indica L.

Annual herbs, to 60 cm tall; stem striate, pubescent. Leaves 1.2-6.5 x 1-3.8 cm, broadly
ovate, base rounded to shortly attenuate, margin crenate-serrate, apex acute or obtuse,
basally 5nerved; petiole 1.5-5.5 cm long. Spikes axillary, 2.5-6.2 cm long, monoecious,
rachis ending in a triradiate hood at the tip. Male flowers above, ebracteate, minute,
clustered; anthers vermiculiform. Female flowers below subtended by foliaceous, 3-7 mm
long, suborbicularcuneiform, many-nerved, toothed bracts; ovary hispid, 3-lobed; styles
3, each 2-fid. Capsules 3-valved, concealed by bract, hispid.

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 2.EUPHORBIA

1a. Margins entire to coarsely serrate………………………………………E.heterophylla

2a.Margin crenate-serrate……………………………………………………………E.hirta

Euphorbia heterophylla L.

Robust annual herbs, glabrous to pilose. Leaves alternate below, opposite above, 4-12 x
0.3-7 cm, broadly ovate, elliptic, obovate, or panduriform, rarely linear, glabrous or
pilose, margins entire to coarsely serrate, apex acute, short-acuminate, or short-cuspidate,
base rounded to cuneate, green, sometimes floral leaves white or with splotches of purple
at base, never red; petioles 1-4 cm long; stipules absent or minute and gland-like. Cyathia
in dense terminal cymes; involucre 2-2.5 mm high, glabrous, gland 1, cup-shaped with a
circular opening, without an appendage; staminate flowers numerous. Capsules
subglobose, 3-4 mm long, glabrous; seeds dark brownish gray to black, sometimes
mottled, truncate-ovoid, angled, 2-2.5 mm long, coarsely tuberculate, ecarunculate.

Euphorbia hirta L.

Annual herbs, to 60 cm tall; stem striate, pubescent. Leaves 1.2-6.5 x 1-3.8 cm, broadly
ovate, base rounded to shortly attenuate, margin crenate-serrate, apex acute or obtuse,
basally 5nerved; petiole 1.5-5.5 cm long. Spikes axillary, 2.5-6.2 cm long, monoecious,
rachis ending in a triradiate hood at the tip. Male flowers above, ebracteate, minute,
clustered; anthers vermiculiform. Female flowers below subtended by foliaceous, 3-7 mm
long, suborbicularcuneiform, many-nerved, toothed bracts; ovary hispid, 3-lobed; styles
3, each 2-fid. Capsules 3-valved, concealed by bract, hispid.

3. CROTON

1a. Male flowers white……………………………………………………………C. hirtus

1b. Male flowers greenish white…………………………………………C.bonplandianus

Croton bonplandianus Baill.

Herbs, young parts stellate-pubescent and viscous glandular. Leaves simple, alternate, 2-5
x 12 cm, ovate-lanceolate, apex gradually acute, base attenuate, margin faintly serrulate,
densely stellate scaly on both sides when young, sparsely so below and glabrous above on

60
ageing; petiole to 1.5 cm long. Racemes to 10 cm long; pedicels glandular on either side.
Male flowers 3-4 mm across; perianth 2-seriate, greenish-white, outer c. 1 mm long, inner
c. 2 mm long; stamens many. Female flowers few, towards base, 2.5-3 mm across;
perianth 1-seriate, lobes 5; ovary subglobose, tomentose; style short; stigma 3, each
forked to form 6 lobes. Capsule 56 mm across, ovoid, warty; seeds 3, globose,
carunculate.

Croton hirtus L'Herit.

Erect dichotomously branched aromatic herbs upto 60 cm high; branchlets with white to
pale yellow strigose-stellate hairs. Leaves 2.4-9 x 1.5-7.8 cm, ovate to ovate-oblong, base
truncate, broadly cuneate or oblique, margins irregularly serrate, apex acute, stellate white
hairy on both sides, 3-5-nerved from base, 2-stalked gland present at the base of lamina;
petiole 0.3-6.5 cm long, stellate hairy; stipules 2-5 mm long, linear, stellate hairy.
Inflorescence terminal, upto 4 cm long with multibranched numerous glandular hairs,
female flowers below, male flowers above; bracts 2-4 mm long, linear, glandular hairy.
Male flowers white; pedicels c. 1 mm long, stellate hairy; tepals 10, 2-seriate, white, 1.5-2
x 0.5-1 mm, obovate or oblanceolate, obtuse or acute at apex, stellate hairy without.
Stamens many. Female flowers green; tepals 5; longer ones 3, c. 3 mm long, obovate;
shorter ones 2, 1-1.5 mm long. Ovary c. 1.5 mm long, ovoid, stellate hairy. Capsules 3-5
x 3-4 mm, ovoid, stellate hairy. Seeds 2-3 mm long, trigonous, brown with black patches,
caruncle cream.

4. MICROSTACHYS

Microstachys chaemaelia (L.) Mull. Arg.

Erect or diffuse herbs. Leaves alternate, 2-4.5 x 0.7-1 cm, oblong-lanceolate, base obtuse,
margin minutely dentate, apex obtuse or acute; petiole to 3 mm long. Flowers in
monoecious slender axillary spikes, 1.5-2.5 cm long. Male flowers minute, c. 1.5 mm
across in clusters of 3; tepals 5, connate; stamens 2-4, anthers globose. Female flowers
solitary at base of spike, c. 1 mm across; tepals 3, ovate; ovary 3-lobed, echinate without;
ovule 1 in each cell; style 3, connate at base. Capsule 3-lobed each with two rows of soft
prickles on the back, 4-6 mm across. Seeds 1-1.5 mm long, oblong, carunculate.

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 5.PHYLLANTHUS

1a. Leaves are green colour……………………………………………………..P. amarus

1b. Leaves are brown colour……………………………………………………P. urinaria

Phyllanthus amarus Schumand. & Thonn.

Erect herbs to 30 cm tall. Leaves simple, 6-8 x 3-4 mm, oblong, apex obtuse to acute,
base unequal sided, lower surface glaucous; stipules lanceolate, scarious. Male flowers
towards tip of branchlets, solitary, axillary; tepals 5, ovate; stamens 3, exserted; filaments
connate; disc of 5 glands. Female flowers c. 1.5 mm across; tepals 5, oblong; ovary
globose; style erect, recurved; pedicel to 2 mm long. Capsule c. 2 mm across, globose;
seeds 6, trigonous, vertically muriculate.

Phyllanthus urinaria L.

Erect herbs to 40 cm tall; young stem and leaves reddish. Leaves simple, alternate, 0.6-1.2
x 0.4-0.6 cm, oblong, apex acute to apiculate, base oblique, margin ciliate, glabrous;
stipules c. 1mm long, linear to subulate. Male flowers in axillary clusters; tepals 6, 1-
seriate, orbicular; stamens 5, filaments united; disc 6-lobed. Female flowers in lower
axils, solitary; tepals 6, obovate-oblong; ovary warted without; stigma 3, each 2-fid; disc
annular. Capsule 2-3 mm across, globose, 3-lobed, sessile, verrucose; seeds 6, trigonous,
transversely ridged.

URTICACEAE

1a. Small plant……………………………………………………………………….Pilea

1b. Plants that are not much small………………………………………………..Pouzolzia

1.PILEA

Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.

Slender succulent herbs; branches and leaves bifarious; stem transparent. Leaves simple,
opposite, 4 x 3 mm, ovate-orbicular, apex obtuse, base attenuate, subsucculent, 1-nerved;
raphides transverse; petiole to 1 mm long. Flowers monoecious in small umbellate
clusters, 11.5 mm across. Male flowers: tepals 4, free, concave, obtuse; stamens 4.

62
Female flowers: tepals connate, 2-4-toothed; ovary c. 0.5 mm long, ovoid, 1-celled; ovule
1. Achene c. 1 mm long, ellipsoid.

Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm., FPM 1379(965).1928

2. POUZOLZIA

Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. & R. Br.

Slender procumbent herbs. Leaves simple, alternate, 1.5-3 x 1-2 cm, ovate-elliptic, base
rounded, apex acute, sparsely strigose, membranous, lateral nerves 3 or 4 pairs, basal pair
opposite; petiole to 2 cm long. Flowers in axillary, subsessile clusters. Male flowers: 3-4
mm across; tepals 4, 1.5-2 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, sparsely villous; stamens 4,
filaments c. 2 mm long. Female flowers: tepals connate; style linear c. 2 mm long, thinly
pubescent. Achenes 2-winged.

Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. & R. Br., FPM 1382(967).1928

ZINGIBERACEAE

1.CURCUMA

Curcuma ecalcarata Sivar. & Indu

Herbs, rhizome small, 3-5 x 2-2.5 cm, conical, yellow inside; roots many, fleshy; roots
tubers fusiform, white inside. Leafy stems 30-45 cm high. Leaves bifarious, 20-30 x 10-
15 cm, broadly ovate, acuminate, slightly and often unequally cordate at base; pubescent
below near the midrib towards the base, profusely lepidote on the lower surface, sparsely
lepidote on the upper surface; petiole 20-25 cm, minutely pubescent. Inflorescens central;
peduncle 12-15 cm long, pubescent; spike 10-15 cm long, pubescent, with a distinct
coma; coma bracts longer than the fertile ones, 4 x 3.5 cm, free or slightly adnate at base,
bright rose in those with fertile bracts and greenish-white in those with fertile bracts;
fertile bracts ca 3 x 2.5 cm, broadly rounded, tip recurved, green or rose; bracteoles ca 7
mm long, triangular with a longitudinal ridge at the back. Flowers 5-6 cm long. Calyx 1-
1.3 cm long, truncate, 3-lobed at apex, deeply split on one side, pubescent. Corolla tube
2.5-3 cm long, lobes unequal; dorsal lobe 1.5 x 1 cm, oblong, concave, hooded and
apiculate at tip; laterals 1.5 x 0.7 cm, oblong-obtuse, light yellow-orange. Labellum 2-2.2
x 2-2.2 cm, 3-lobed, lateral lobes rounded, middle lobe triangular, much exceeding the

63
laterals, yellow or orange-yellow; lateral staminodes 1.8-2 x 0.8 cm, oblongobtuse.
Stamens yellow; filament broad; anther 4-5 mm long, thecae parallel, ecalcarate,
connective broad, hooded at apex, glandular hairs on the back. Epigynous glands two, 4
mm long, cylindrical. Ovary 1.2 x 1 mm, pubescent, style long, filiform; stigma cup-like,
hairy. Fruit 1.5 x 1 cm, obovoid, slightly trigonal, pubescent; seeds many 6 x 3 mm,
obovoid; aril lacerate, lobes 6-8, narrow, white.

CANNACEAE

1. CANNA

Canna indica L.

Rhizome creeping; aerial stem erect, glabrous. Leaves 23-45 x 10-15 cm, ovate-elliptic or
oblong, base tapering, apex acuminate, nerves close. Raceme many-flowered, to 20 cm
long. Flowers paired, to 10 cm long; bracts 4-7 x 0.8-1.2 cm, ovate or narrowly linear;
bracteoles to 1 cm, orbicular. Sepals 3, to 1.5 cm long, lanceolate. Petals 3, united at base,
4-7 cm, linearlanceolate, orange or red. Staminodes petaloid, bright-red, to 6 cm long,
oblanceolatespathulate, one staminode shorter. Ovary 3-celled; ovules many on axile
placentae; style flattened, as long as the staminode. Capsule 1.5-3 x 1-1.6 cm, warty.

Canna indica L., FPM 1496(1045). 1928.

PONTIDERIACEAE

1a. Some of the petioles enlarged to form floats: perianth distinctly tubular below: anthers

equal, filaments not horned……………………………………………………....Eichornia

1b. Petioles are not enlarged to form floats; perianth- segments free; 1 anther longer than
the rest, its filament homed on one side……………………………………….Monochoria

1. EICHORNIA

Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms.

30-50 cm high herb, with short stem and many long fibrous roots, floating or sometimes
rooting. Leaves glabrous, 45-110 x 50-100 mm; broadly ovate to rhomboid, entire,
obtuse, base cuneate or rounded. Petiole glabrous and spongy, 6-30 cm long, with a

64
fusiform bulbous portion about the middle. Peduncle spongy. Inflorescence (3-) 6-15 (-
35) flowered. Flowers lilac, tinged blue, withering soon. Perianth c. 57 mm long, tube
green, glandular; segments 3440 mm long, obovate to ovate-oblong, posterior segment
with a yellow spot. The longer 3 stamens c. 21 mm, filaments curved, glandular hairy;
shorter filaments c. 6 mm long, glabrous; anthers purple-blue. Ovary ovoid, glabrous;
style glandular; stigma 3-lobed, glandular.

Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., FPM 1530(1019).1928

2. MONOCHORIA

Monochoria vaginalis (Burf. F.) C. Prest.

Erect, semi-aquatic herbs, 15-45 cm tall. Leaves 3-8 x 1.5-4.5 cm obvate, base cordate,
apex abruptly accuminate, thinly coriaceous; petiole 8-26 cm long, sheathing at base.
Inflorescence of solitary terminal raceme, to 9 cm long, from upper nodes of emergent
stems. Flowers c. 2 cm across, regular; pedicel 1-1.8cm long; bracts membraneous.
Perianth campanulate, deeply lobed; lobes 3+3, deep blue, 0.8-1.2 x 0.5-0.6 cm, oblong-
obovate. Stamens 6; filaments subequal. Ovary, c. 5 mm long, globose, 3-locular; ovules
many per locule; style to 5 mm long; stigma 3-lobbed. Capsule to 1 x 0.8 cm, oblong.
Seeds many, c. 6 mm, oblong, ribbed, transversely striate between ribs.

Monochoria vaginalis (Burf. F.) C. Prest., FPM 1529(1075).1931

COMMELINACEAE

1a. Large bract present…………………………………………………………Commelina

1b. Small bract……………………………………………………………………………1

2a. Subglobose panicle inflorescence…………………………………………Murdannia

2b. Axillary cymose clusters………………………………………………………Cyanotis

1. COMMELINA

Commelina benghalensis L.

Diffuse herbs, rooting at lower nodes; rootstock with cleistogamous flowers. Leaves 3-5 x
23.5 cm, ovate or elliptic-ovate, base rounded or subtruncate, apex obtuse or acute,

65
pubescent, margin ciliate; petiole to 8 mm long; sheath to 1.5 cm long, apex with rufous
hairs. Spathe 1.5 cm across, funnel-shaped, truncate at apex, pubescent, c. 2.5 mm long;
outer ones linear; inner ones orbicular. Petals blue, larger ones c. 4 x 4.5 mm, broadly
ovate. Stamens 3; staminodes 2. Ovary to 1mm long. Capsule to 5 mm long, ellipsoid, 3-
celled; seeds 5, pitted.

Commelina benghalensis L., FPM 1539(1075).1931

2. CYANOTIS

1a. Petals are feathery…………………………………………………………...C.axillaris

1b. Petals are not feathery………………………………………………………C.cristata

Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don. ex sweet

Fleshy decumbent, glabrous herbs, rooting at lower nodes, often purple-suffused. Leaves
3-7 x 0.5-0.8 cm, linear, apex acute or acuminate; sheath to 7 mm long, mouth ciliate.
Inflorescence in axillary cymose clusters, enclosed within the leaf sheath; bracteoles 1-2
mm long, linear. Flowers 6-7 mm across. Calyx connate, tube 2-4 mm long, pilose; lobes
lanceolate. Corolla blue; tube to 3 mm, lobes to 4 mm, ovate. Stamens 6; filaments pink
with purple pilose hairs. Ovary c. 1.5 mm, woolly, 3-celled; ovules 2 per cell on axile
placentae; style c.1.5 mm long, pilose; stigma 3-fid. Capsule 5-6 mm long, oblong, apex
beaked; seeds 6, c. 2 mm, oblong, pitted.

Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don. ex sweet., FPM 1550(1082).1931

Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don.

Fleshy, robust herbs. Leaves 2-8 x 0.8-2.5 cm, ovate-oblong, base rounded or cordate,
apex obtuse or acute, sparsely ciliate on margins; sheath loose, to 8 mm long, hispid.
Cymes mostly terminal, recurved, 2-2.5 x 1-1.5 cm, solitary, peduncle 2-6 cm long; bracts
2.5-5 x 1-2.2 cm, leaf-like; bracteoles 0.7-1 cm long, falcately ovate, sparsely ciliate on
margins. Flowers 6-7 mm across. Calyx tube c. 2 mm long; lobes 2-2.5 mm long, hirsute.
Corolla pale blue to purple, 6 mm long. Staminal filaments bearded, violet. Ovary
globose, hairy at apex. Capsule 2-3 mm long, subglobose; seeds c. 1 mm, trigonous, with
2 large pits on either side.

Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don., FPM 1549(1081).1931

66
 3. MURDANNIA

1a. Elongated leaf……………………………………….................…………. M.nudiflora

1b. short leaf……………………………………………………………………..M.spirata

Murdannia nudiflora (L.) B. Brenan.

Procumbent herbs; rooting at lower nodes. Leaves sessile, 6-11 x 0.5-1.2 cm, linear or
linearlanceolate, base rounded, apex acute or acuminate; sheath to 1.2 cm long, margin
ciliate. Flowers in terminal and axillary few-flowered, subglobose or subcorymbose
panicles. Sepals 2 mm long, oblong, obtuse. Petals 2-2.5 mm long, oblong, acute, bluish-
purple. Staminal filaments bearded; staminodes 3 with filaments bearded or not. Ovules 2
in each cell. Capsule 2.5-3.7 mm across, globose; seeds 2- per locule, c.1 mm, cuboid,
deeply pitted.

Murdannia nudiflora (L.) B. Brenan., FPM 1545(1078).1931

Murdannia spirata (L.) G. Bruokn.

Erect or diffuse herbs with fibrous roots. Leaves 1-4 x 0.5-1.2 cm, ovate-lanceolate, base
cordate and semi-amplexicaul, apex acute; sheath c.1 cm long, ciliate at mouth. Flowers
c. 6 mm across, in few-flowered terminal and axillary panicles; bracts to 2 mm long,
ovate; pedicel 3-5 mm long, filiform. Sepals 3-3.5 mm long, ovate-oblong. Petals bluish
or violet, 3-4 mm long, oblong. Fertile stamens 3, filaments bearded; staminodes 2.
Ovules 3 in each cell. Capsule 4-5 mm long, oblong, trigonous; seeds 3 in each cell, c. 1
mm, angular, cuboid, rugose, light brown.

Murdannia spirata (L.) G. Bruokn., FPM 1546(1078).1931

ARACEAE

1a. Herbs, rhizome stoloniferous…………………………………………………Colocasia

1b.Aquatic floating herbs…………………………………………………..…………Pistia

67
 1.COLOCASIA

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.

Herbs, rhizome stoloniferous. Leaves few to many, peltate, 20-28 x 10-18 cm, ovate,
cordate to sagittate at base, glabrous; nerves 6 pairs, united to form an intramarginal vein;
lowest pair with lateral nerves of the basal lobes, intercostate curved; petiole 30-45 cm
long, cylindrical, smooth. Peduncle solitary or few together, 10-20 cm long, stout; spathe
to 20 cm long, yellow, lanceolate, constricted above the base; limb acuminate. Spadix 10
cm long, cylindrical, appendages terete, obtuse. Male flowers above, to 5-6 cm of the
spadix, stamens 6; female flowers on lower, 2 cm of the spadix; ovary 1-celled, ovules
many on 2-4 parietal placentas. Neutral flowers many, peltate, between the female and
male flowers. Fruit an aggregate of berries, globose.

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott., FPM 1580(1102). 1931

2. PISTIA

Pistia stratiotes L.

Aquatic floating herbs. Leaves sessile, tufted, obovate, 2-10 by 1-4 cm, veins prominent,
white soft pubescent. Spathe small, to 10 mm long, basal portion convoluted, upper
portion expanded into an ovate-acute limb, pale yellow; spadix with pistillate portion
adnate to the spathe; female and male flowers separated by a disc-like structure. Male
flowers with 4-6 anthers forming a synandrium; ovary 1-locular; ovules many, on parietal
placentae. Berry small and ovoid.

Pistia stratiotes L., FPM 1573(1097). 1931

LEMNACEAE

1. LEMNA

Lemna minor L.

Floating freshwater aquatic plant, with one, two, three or four leaves each having a single
root hanging in the water. The root is 1–2 cm long. Leaves are oval, 1–8 mm long and
0.6–5 mm broad, light green, with three (rarely five) veins and small air spaces to assist
flotation. It reproduces mainly vegetatively by division. Flowers are rarely produced and

68
measure about 1 mm in diameter, with a cup-shaped membranous scale containing a
single ovule and two stamens. The seed is 1 mm long, ribbed with 8-15 ribs.

CYPERACEAE

1a. Head inflorescence……………………………………………………………Kyllinga

1b. Not head inflorescence…………………………………………………………Cyperus

1. CYPERUS

Cyperus haspan L.

Erect, spaced, rhizomatous perennials; rhizome long, creeping; roots red-purple; culms
15-35 cm tall, triquetrous. Leaves few, basal, 2-10 x 0.2-0.5 cm, linear, apex acute,
sometimes reduced to lanceolate appendage of sheaths; sheaths upto 5 cm long, reddish
brown. Inflorescence compound, many-rayed, 4-9 cm across, ultimate branches ending in
digitately arranged clusters of spikelets; leafy bracts 2-3, the longest upto 6 cm long.
Spikelets 5-10 x 12 mm, linear-lanceolate, compressed. Glumes 1.5-2 x 0.5-1 mm,
oblong-ovate, mucronulate, keeled. Stamens 2-3; connective bristly at top. Stigmas 3. Nut
c. 0.5 x 0.5 mm, obovoid, trigonous, broadly stipitate, cream-yellow, verruculose.

Cyperus haspan L., FPM 1640(1139).1931

2. KYLLINGA

Kyllinga nemoralis(J. R. Forst. & J. Frost.)

Erect, rhizomatous perennials; rhizome long-creeping covered with brown scales; culms
triquetrous. Leaves many, 2-15 x 0.2-0.4 cm, linear, margins scabrid on the upper part;
sheaths 1-3 cm long, purple-brown. Inflorescence a head of globose spikes, the central
spike longer than the others, white; leafy bracts 3-4, exceeding the inflorescence, the
lowest upto 14 cm long. Spikelets many, 2.5-3 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate-elliptic. Glumes
distichous, 2-2.5 mm long, boat-shaped, keeled, lower 2 glumes smaller, empty. Stamens
3. Stigmas 2. Nut 1-1.5 mm long, obovate or oblong, biconvex, brownish.

Kyllinga nemoralis (J. R. Forst. & J. Frost.)., FPM 1624(1130).1931

69
 POACEAE

1a. Ligule has a ring of white hairs………………………………………………Cyanodon

1b. Ligule without white hairs…………………………………………………………….1

2a. Spikelets are sessile ……………………………………………………Dactyloctinium

2b. Spikelets are petiolated……………………………………………………………..…2

3a. Slender spreading hairs present on keels………………………………….....Eragrostis

3b. Slender hairs are absent on keels………………………………………………………3

4a. Inflorescence are ascending raceme……………………………………….Echinochloa

4b. Inflorescence are not ascending raceme………….……………………………………4

5a. Glumes are reduced…………………………………………………….…………Oryza

5b. Glumes are not much reduced…………………………………………………………5

1. CYNODON

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers

Slender, stoloniferous creeping perennial herbs. Leaves 1-10 x 0.1-0.5 cm, linear-
lanceolate, acuminate, glaucous; sheaths keeled; ligules fimbriate, membranous.
Inflorescence of terminal, digitate 3-4 spikes; spikes 1-sided, oblong to 5 cm long.
Spikelets sessile, 2-3 mm long, oblonglanceolate, laterally compressed, 1-flowered.
Lower glume 1.5-2 x 0.5 mm, lanceolate, chartaceous,1-nerved; upper glume c. 2 x 0.5
mm, lanceolate, chartaceous, 1-nerved; lemma 23 x 1.5-2 mm, boat-shaped, ovate-oblong
when spread, keeled; palea 2-2.5 x 0.5-1 mm, boatshaped or oblong when spread,
chartaceous. Stamens 3; anthers 1-1.5 mm long. Ovary c. 0.5 mm long, oblong; stigmas
0.5-1 mm long, pink. Caryopsis 1 mm, linear.

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., FPM 1835(1270).1934

70
 2. DACTYLOCTINIUM

Dactyloctinium aegyptium (L.) Wilid.

Annuals. Culms 30-60 cm long, creeping or geniculately ascending, rooting at the nodes;
nodes glabrous. Leaves 5-20 x 0.3-0.6 cm, linear, rounded or shallowly cordate at base,
acuminate, margins at base ciliate; sheaths to 5 cm long, keeled; ligules ovate, fimbriate,
membranous. Spikes 2-6, digitate, each 2-5 cm long, oblong. Spikelets sessile, 2-3.5 mm
long, ovate or oblong, 3-4-flowered, laterally compressed, densely imbricate, in 2 rows.
Lower glume 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 mm, boat-shaped or ovate-acute when spread, keeled; keel
scabrid. Upper glume 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate-elliptic or obovate, aristate, keeled; keel
scabrid; arista c. 1.5 mm long, geniculate. Lemmas 1.5-3 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate, aristate;
arista c. 1 mm long. Palea 1-1.5 x 1 mm, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. Stamens 3; anthers
c. 0.5 mm long. Grain c. 1 mm long, obovate or triangular, transversely rugose.

Dactyloctinium aegyptium (L.) Wilid., FPM 1840(1273).1934

3. ECHINOCHLOA

Echinochloa colona (L.) Link

Annuals. Culms 10-80 cm high, erect; nodes glabrous. Leaves 3-25 x 0.2-0.7 cm,
linearlanceolate, rounded or shallowly cordate at base, apex acuminate; sheaths keeled;
ligules absent. Panicles 3-15 cm long, spiciform; racemes 4-10, each 1-3 cm long.
Spikelets 2-4 mm long, ovate-lanceolate, greenish-yellow or purplish. Lower glume 1-2 x
1-1.5 mm, ovate, acuminate, chartaceous, 5-nerved, hispid. Upper glume 2-4 x 1.5-2 mm,
ovate or boat-shaped, acuminate, chartaceous, hispid. Lower floret barren. Upper floret
bisexual. First lemma 2-4 x 1.5-2 mm, ovate, 7-nerved. Palea c. 2 x 1 mm, ovate-oblong,
hyaline, 2-keeled. Second lemma 2-3 x 1 mm, ovate-elliptic. Palea 1.5-2 x 1 mm, ovate-
oblong, mucronate, 2-keeled. Stamens 3; anthers c. 0.5 mm long, violet. Ovary c. 0.5 mm,
oblong; stigmas pink.

Echinochloa colona (L.) Link., FPM 1776(1230).1934

71
 4. ERAGROSTIS

Eragrostis unioloides (Retz.)

Annual herbs; culms tufted, 10-55 cm high, erect or geniculate; nodes glabrous. Leaves 3-
18 x 0.2-0.5 cm, linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, base rounded or shallowly cordate, apex
acuminate; sheaths to 5 cm long; ligules membranous. Panicles 5-15 cm long, lax.
Spikelets 4-6 x 2-4 mm, broadly ovate or ovate-oblong, 10-32-flowered, purplish. Lower
glume 1-1.5 x 0.5 mm, lanceolate, 1-nerved; upper glume 1-2 x 0.5-1 mm, ovate-
lanceolate; lemmas 1.5-2.5 x 1-1.5 mm, broadly ovate, 3-nerved; paleas 1-2 x 1 mm,
elliptic, 2-keeled. Stamens 3, violet. Stigmas white. Grains c. 1 mm long, ellipsoid,
reddish-brown.

Eragrostis unioloides (Retz.)., FPM 1826(1264).1934

5. ORYZA

Oryza sativa L.

Annuals. Culms 50-120 cm high, erect, rooting at the lower nodes; nodes glabrous.
Leaves 2560 x 0.5-1.2 cm, linear-lanceolate or linear, apex acuminate, scabrid; sheaths
ciliate along the margins; ligules 2-3 mm long, membranous. Panicles 10-25 cm long, lax.
Spikelets 7-10 mm long, oblong, awned or not. Glumes reduced. First lemma 7-10 mm
long, oblong-lanceolate, empty. Second lemma 6-8 mm long, oblong-lanceolate,
granulate, fertile. Palea oblonglanceolate, acuminate. Grains oblong, tightly enclosed by
the lemma and palea.

Oryza sativa L., FPM 1844(1276). 1934

72
COLLECTION

83
Table 1.1 List of Angiospermic plants in study area

Sl. Vernacular Plate Fig Tag

Scientific name Habit
No: name No: No: No:

CLASS: DICOTYLEDONS

SUB CLASS:
POLYPETALAE

SERIES:
THALAMIFLORAE

ORDER: RANALES

FAMILY:
NYMPHAEACEAE

1 Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Thamara Herb 1 1 92

2 Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f Ambal Herb 1 2 16

ORDER: PARIETALES

FAMILY:
CAPPARIDACEAE

1 Cleome rutidosperma Dc. Neelavela Herb 1 3 102

2 Cleome viscosa L. Kaattukadugu Herb 1 4 99

ORDER: MALVALES

FAMILY: MALVACEAE

1 Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff. Chemmeenpuli Shrub 1 5 98

2 Sida acuta Burm f. Kurumthotti Shrub 1 6 101

3 Sida spinosa L. Aanakurunthotti Shrub 1 7 73

FAMILY:
STERCULIACEAE

Melochia corchorifolia L. Cheruvuram Herb 1 8 13

84
Continued ...

Sl. Vernacular Plate Tag

Scientific name Habit Fig. No:
No: name No: No:

FAMILY: TILIACEAE

1 Grewia nervosa (Lour.) G. Panigrahi Kottakka Small tree 1 9 72

ORDER: GERANIALES

FAMILY: GERANIACEAE

Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.)

1 Mukkuty Herb 1 10 4
Klotzsch.

ORDER: SAPINDALES

FAMILY: SAPINDACEAE

1 Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Uzhinja Climber 1 11 31

SERIES: CALYCIFLORAE

ORDER: ROSALES

FAMILY:
LEGUMINOSAE/ FABACEAE

PAPILIONOIDEAE

1 Centrosema molle Benth Kattupayar Climber 1 12 5

2 Crotalaria pallida Aiton. Kilukkilukki Shrub 2 13 71

3 Desmodium triflorum (L.) Dc Nilamparanda Herb 2 14 75

Pueraria phaseoloides (Rhomb.)

4 Thotta-payar Climber 2 15 36
Benth

MIMOSOIDEAE

Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex

1 Anathottavadi Climber 2 16 14
Sauv

2
Mimosa pudica L. Thottavadi Herb 2 17 35

ORDER: MYRTALES

85
 Continued ...

Sl. Vernacular Plate Fig. Tag

Scientific name Habit
No: name No: No: No:

FAMILY: MELASTOMACEAE

1 Osbeckia muralis Naud Cherkulathi Herb 2 18 70

FAMILY: ONAGRACEAE

1 Ludwigia adscendens (L.) Hara Herb 2 19 74

2 Ludwigia perennis L. Neerkarayampo Herb 2 20 34

ORDER: PASSIFLORALES

FAMILY: CUCURBITACEAE

1 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. Mukkapiriyan Climber 2 21 33

ORDER: FICOIDALES

FAMILY: AIZOACEAE

1 Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. Herb 2 22 19

2 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Parpadakapullu Herb 2 23 6

ORDER: UMBELLIFERALES

FAMILY: APIACEAE/
UMBELLIFERAE

1 Centella asiatica L. Muthil, Kodavan Herb 2 24 69

ORDER: RUBIALES

FAMILY: RUBIACEAE

1 Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) Dc Tharthaval Herb 3 25 7

2 Mussaenda frondosa L. Vellilamthali Shrub 3 26 76

3 Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Parpadakapullu Herb 3 27 37

86
 Continued ...

Sl. Plate Tag

Scientific name Vernacular name Habit Fig. No:
No: No: No:

4 Spermacoce articularis Lf. Herb 3 28 32

5 Spermacoce latifolia Aubl. Herb 3 29 68

ORDER: ASTERALES

FAMILY: COMPOSITAE

1 Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen Palluvedhanachedi Herb 3 30 77

2 Ageratum conyzoides L. Appa Herb 3 31 48

3 Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. Herb 3 32 67

Chromolaena odorata (L.) King &

4 Communist pacha Shrub 3 33 38
Robins.

5 Cyanthillium cinereus (L.) H. Rob. Poovamkurunila Herb 3 34 90

6 Eclipta prostata (L.) Kanjuni Herb 3 35 30

Eleutheranthera ruderalis (W.)

7 Herb 3 36 79
Sch. Bip

8 Emilia sonchifolia (L.) Dc. Ex Dc. Muyalchevi Herb 4 37 78

Grangea maderaspatana (L.)

9 Nelapala Herb 4 38 89
Poir.

10 Sphagneticola trilobara (L.) Pruski. Manjakanjuni Herb 4 39 39

11 Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. Mudiyan pacha Herb 4 40 66

12 Tridax procumbens L. Thalavetty chedi Herb 4 41 91

ORDER: GENTIANALES

FAMILY:
GENTIANACEAE

MENYANTHACEAE

Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.)

1 Herb 4 42 97
O.Ktze.

87
 Continued ...

Vernacular Fig Tag

Sl No: Scientific name Habit Plate No:
name No: No:

ORDER: POLEMONIALES

FAMILY: BORAGINACEAE

1 Coldenia procumbens L. Cheruppadi Herb 4 43 11

2 Heliotropium indicum L. Thekkada Herb 4 44 18

FAMILY: CONVOLVULACEAE

1 Aniseia martinicensis (Jacq.) Choisy Venthiruthali Climber 4 45 80

2 Evolvulus nummularis (L.) L. Herb 4 46 27

3 Hewittia malabarica (L.) Suresh Ohanamvalli Climber 4 47 47

4 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Kozhuppa Herb 4 48 88

5 Ipomoea triloba L. Climber 5 49 40

6 Merremia tridentata (Burm. Fil) Hall. Seedarvalli Climber 5 50 93

FAMILY: SOLANACEAE

1 Solanum torvum Sw. Chunda Shrub 5 51 96

ORDER: PERSONALES

FAMILY: SCROPHULARIACEAE

1 Limnophila aquatica (Roxb.) Alston Herb 5 52 65

2 Lindernia antipoda (L.) Herb 5 53 9

3 Lindernia ciliata (Colsm.) Pennell Herb 5 54 49

4 Lindernia crustacea (L.) F.V.Muell. Herb 5 55 1

5 Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Mukerjee Herb 5 56 81

88
 Continued ...

Sl. Vernacular Plate Fig Tag

Scientific name Habit
No: name No: No: No:

6 Lindernia sessiliflora (Benth.) Wettst. Herb 5 57 41

7 Lindernia viscosa (Hornem.) Merr. Herb 5 58 64

8 Scoparia dulcis L. Kallurukki Herb 5 59 10

9 Stemodia verticillata (Mill.) Sprague Herb 5 60 29

FAMILY: LENTIBULARIACEAE

1 Utricularia aurea Lour. Herb 6 61 63

FAMILY: ACANTHACEAE

1 Hygrophylla schulli L. Vayalchulli Herb 6 62 83

2 Justicia japonica Thumb. Herb 6 63 42

3 Ruellia prostrata Poir. Velipadakkam Herb 6 64 87

4 Ruellia tuberosa L. Herb 6 65 28

ORDER: LAMIALES

FAMILY: VERBENACEAE

1 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Neerthippali Herb 6 66 43

FAMILY: LAMIACEAE/ LABIATAE

1 Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit Nattapoochedi Herb 6 67 82

2 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Thumba Herb 6 68 26

3 Platostoma hispidum (L.) Paton Meenagani Herb 6 69 50

SUBCLASS: MONOCHLAMYDAE

SERIES: CURVEMBRYEAE

FAMILY: NYCTAGINACEAE

1 Boerhaavia diffusa L. Thazhuthama Herb 6 70 24

89
Continued ...

Sl. Vernacular Plate Fig. Tag

Scientific name Habit
No: name No. No: No :

FAMILY: AMARANTHACEAE

1 Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Cheroola Herb 6 71 44

2 Alteranthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. Vellamkanni Herb 6 72 103

3 Alteranthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex Dc. Kozhuppa Herb 7 73 17

SERIES: MICROEMBRYEAE

FAMILY: PIPERACEAE

1 Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth. Mashithandu Herb 7 74 45

SERIES: UNISEXUALES

FAMILY: EUPHORBIACEAE

1 Acalypha indica L. Kuppameni Herb 7 75 25

2 Croton bonplandianus Baill. Herb 7 76 51

3 Croton hirtus L'Hér. Herb 7 77 8

4 Euphorbia heterophylla L. Herb 7 78 46

5 Euphorbia hirta L. Herb 7 79 2

6 Microstachys chamaelea (L.) Muell.Arg. Herb 7 80 20

7 Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn Keezhaarnelli Herb 7 81 52

8 Phyllanthus urinaria L. Herb 7 82 21

FAMILY: URTICACEAE

1 Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm Herb 7 83 60

2 Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. & R. Br. Herb 7 84 53

90
 Continued ...

Sl. Vernacular Plate Fig. Tag

Scientific name Herb
No: name No: No: No:

CLASS: MONOCOTYLEDONAE

SERIES: EPIGYNAE

FAMILY: ZINGEBERACEAE

1 Curcuma ecalcarata Sivar. & Indu Herb 8 85 15

FAMILY: CANNACEAE

1 Canna indica Linn. Chakkarachembu Herb 8 86 22

SERIES: CORONARIEAE

FAMILY: PONTEDERIACEAE

1 Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. Kolavazha Herb 8 87 86

2 Monochoria vaginalis (Burm.f) C. Prest. Herb 8 88 94

FAMILY: COMMELINACEAE

1 Commelina bengalensis L. Herb 8 89 12

2 Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don. ex sweet Herb 8 90 54

3 Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don. Herb 8 91 56

4 Murdannia nudiflora (L.) B. Brenan. Herb 8 92 3

5 Murdannia spirata (L.) Brueck. Herb 8 93 55

SERIES: NUDIFLORAE

FAMILY: ARACEAE

91
 Continued ...

Vernacular Plate Fig. Tag

Sl No: Scientific name Habit
name No: No. No:

1 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. Chembu Herb 8 94 85

2 Pistia stratiotes L. Neercheera Herb 8 95 57

FAMILY: LEMNACEAE

Lemna minor L. Herb 8 96 23

SERIES: GLUMIACEAE

FAMILY: CYPERACEAE

1 Cyperus haspen L. Herb 9 97 58

Kyllinga nemoralis (J. R. Forst. & G.

2 Muthangapullu Herb 9 98 61
Forst.)

FAMILY: GRAMINEAE /POACEAE

1 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers Karuka Herb 9 99 95

2 Dactyloctinium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Herb 9 100 84

3 Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Herb 9 101 62

4 Eragrostis unioloides (Retz.) Herb 9 102 100

5 Oryza sativa (L.) Nelchedi Herb 9 103 59

92
Figure 1 Ratio of Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons

DICOTYLEDONAE AND MONOCOTYLEDONAE

18.44 %

DICOTYLEDONAE
MONOCOTYLEDONAE

81.60 %

Figure 1

Figure 2 Dicotyledon sub-classes

DICOTYLEDONAE-SUBCLASS

17.80 %

28.60 %
POLYPETALAE
GAMOPETALAE
MONOCHLAMYDAE

53.60 %

Figure 2

93
Table 1.2 List of herbs in study area

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Acalypha indica L. Euphorbiaceae

2. Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen Asteraceae

3. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Amaranthaceae

4. Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae

5. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex Dc. Amaranthaceae

6. Alteranthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. Amaranthaceae

7. Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) Klotzsch. Geraniaceae

8. Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC. Asteraceae

9. Boerhaavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae

10. Canna indica Linn. Cannaceae

11. Centella asiatica L. Apiaceae

12. Cleome rutidosperma Dc. Capparidaceae

13. Cleome viscosa L. Capparidaceae

14. Coldenia procumbens L. Boraginaceae

15. Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. Araceae

16. Commelina benghalensis L. Commelinaceae

17. Croton bonplandianus Baill. Euphorbiaceae

18. Croton hirtus L'Hér. Euphorbiaceae

19. Curcuma aurantiaca Zijp Zingiberaceae

20. Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don. ex sweet Commelinaceae

21. Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don. Commelinaceae

22. Cyanthillium cinereus (L.) H. Rob. Asteraceae

23. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers Poaceae

24. Cyperus haspen L. Cyperaceae

25. Dactyloctinium aegyptium (L.) Willd. Poaceae

94
 Continued ...

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

26. Desmodium triflorum (L.) Dc Fabaceae

27. Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Poaceae

28. Eclipta prostata (L.) Asteraceae

29. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. Pontederiaceae

30. Eleutheranthera ruderalis (W.) Sch. Bip Asteraceae

31. Emilia sonchifolia (L.) Dc. Ex Dc. Asteraceae

32. Eragrostis unioloides (Retz.) Poaceae

33. Euphorbia heterophylla L. Euphorbiaceae

34. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae

35. Evolvulus numularis (L.) L. Convolvulaceae

36. Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. Asteraceae

37. Heliotropium indicum L. Boraginaceae

38. Hygrophilaschulli (Hamilt.) Acanthaceae

39. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Lamiacae

40. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Convolvulaceae

41. Justicia japonica Thumb. Acanthaceae

42. Kyllinga nemoralis (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Cyperacae

43. Lemna minor L. Lemnaceae

44. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Lamiaceae

45. Limnophila aquatica (Roxb.) Alston Scrophulariacae

46. Lindernia antipoda (L.) Scrophulariacae

47. Lindernia ciliata (Colsm.) Pennell Scrophulariacae

48. Lindernia crustacea (L.) F.V.Muell. Scrophulariacae

49. Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Mukerjee Scrophulariacae

50. Lindernia sessiliflora (Benth.) Wettst. Scrophulariacae

95
 Continued ...

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

51. Lindernia viscosa (Hornem.) Merr. Scrophulariacae

52. Ludwigia adscendense (L.) Hara Onagraceae

53. Ludwigia perennis L. Onagracaeae

54. Melochia chorchorifoliaL. Sterculiaceae

55. Microstachys chamaelea (L.) Meull. Arg. Euphorbiaceae

56. Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) Dc. Rubiaceae

57. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae

58. Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. Aizoaceae

59. Mollugo pentaphylla L. Aizoaceae

60. Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. F) C. Prest Pontederiaceae

61. Murdannia nudiflora (L.) B. Brenan. Commelinaceae

62. Murdannia spirata (L.) Brueck. Commelinaceae

63. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nympheaeceae

64. Nymphaea nouchali Burm. F. Nympheaeceae

65. Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) O.Ktze. Menyanthaceae

66. Obseckia muralis Naud Melastomaceae

67. Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Rubiaceae

68. Oryza sativa (L.) Poaceae

69. Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth Piperaceae

70. Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Verbenaceae

71. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. &Thonn Euphorbiaceae

72. Phyllanthus urinaria L. Euphorbiaceae

73. Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm Urticaceae

74. Pistia stratiotes L. Araceae

75. Platostoma hispidum (L.) Paton Lamiaceae

96
Continued ...

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. & R.

76. Urticaceae
Br.

77. Ruellia prostrata Poir. Acanthaceae

78. Ruellia tuberosa L. Acanthaceae

79. Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariacea

80. Spermacoce articularis L.f. Rubiaceae

81. Spermacoce latifolia Aubl. Rubiaceae

82. Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski. Asteraceae

83. Stemodia verticillata (Mill.) Scrophulariaceae

84. Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn Asteraceae

85. Tridax procumbens L. Asteraceae

86. Utricularia aurea Lour. Lentibulariaceae

97
Table 1.3 List of shrubs in study area

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Chromolaena odotata L. Asteraceae

2. Crotalaria pallida Aiton. Fabaceae

3. Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff. Malvaceae

4. Mussaenda frontosa L. Rubiaceae

5. Sida acuta Burm F. Malvaceae

6. Sida spinosa L. Malvaceae

7. Solanum torvum Sw. Solanaceae

98
Table 1.4 List of Small tree in study area

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Grewia nervosa (Lour.) G. Panigrahi Tiliaceae

99
Table 1.5 List of Climbers in study area

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Aniseia martinicensis (Jacq.) Choisy Convolvulaceae

2. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae

3. Centrosema molle Benth. Asteraceae

4. Hewittia malabarica (L.) Suresh Convolvulaceae

5. Ipomoea triloba L. Convolvulaceae

6. Merremia tridentata (Burm. Fil) Hall. Convolvulaceae

7. Mimosa diplotricha C.Wright ex Sauv Mimosaceae

8. Mukia maderaspatana L. Cucurbitaceae

9. Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. Fabaceae

100
TABLE 1.6 Current status of the habit profile plants in wetland areas of
Chazhoor panchayath.

Sl. No: Habit No. of species Percentage

1 Herb 86 83.5%

2 Shrubs 7 6.8%

3 Climbers 9 8.73%

4 Small Tree 1 0.97%

Figure 3 Vegetation profile of wetland plants in Chazhoor pachayath

101
Table 1.7 List of hydrophytes in wetland areas of Chazhoor panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. Amaranthaceae

2. Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. Pontederiaceae

3. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Convolvulaceae

4. Lemna minor L. Lemnaceae

5. Limnophila aquatica (Roxb.) Alston Scrophulariaceae

6. Lindernia rotundifolia (L.) Mukerjee Scrophulariaceae

7. Ludwigia adscendense (L.) Hara Onagraceae

8. Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. F) C. Prest Pontederiaceae

9. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nymphaeaceae

10. Nymphaea nouchali Burm. F. Nymphaeaceae

11. Nymphoides hydrophylla (Laureion.) Menyanthaceae

12. Pistia stratiotes L. Araceae

13. Utricularia aurea Ridl. Lentibulariaceae

102
Table 1.8 List of pteridophytes in wetland areas of Chazhoor
Panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific name Fig. No:

1 Adiantum philippense L. 111

2 Azolla pinnata R.Br. 110

3 Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey& Jermy 109

4 Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. 104

5 Pteris confusa T.G. Walker 108

6 Marsilea minuta L. 107

7 Salvinia molesta D. Mitch. 105

8 Selaginella ciliaris (Retz.) Spring 106

103
Table 1.9 List of invasive plants in wetland areas in Chazhoor
panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae

2. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br.ex. Dc. Amaranthaceae

3. Alteranthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. Amaranthaceae

4. Centrosema molle Benth. Fabaceae

5. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins. Asteraceae

6. Croton bonplandianus Baill. Euphorbiaceae

7. Croton hirtus L'Hér. Euphorbiaceae

8. Euphorbia heterophylla L. Euphorbiaceae

9. Hyptis suaveolensJacq. Lamiaceae

10. Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex Sauv. Mimosoideae

11. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosoideae

12. Pueraria phaseoloides (Rhomb.) Benth Fabaceae

13. Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. Asteraceae

14. Tridax procumbens L. Asteraceae

104
Table 2.1 List of exotic plants in wetland areas of Chazhoor panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific name Family

1. Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen Asteraceae

2. Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae

3. Alteranthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. Amaranthaceae

4. Canna indica Linn. Cannaceae

5. Centrosema molle Benth Fabaceae

6. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins. Asteraceae

7. Croton bonplandianus Baill. Euphorbiaceae

8. Croton hirtus L'Hér. Euphorbiaceae

9. Dactyloctenium aegypticum (L.) Willd. Poaceae

10. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. Pontederiaceae

11. Euphorbia heterophylla L. Euphorbiaceae

12. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae

13. Evolvulus nummularis (L.) L. Convolvulaceae

14. Hyptis suaveolens Jacq. Lamiaceae

15. Ipomoea triloba L. Convolvulaceae

16. Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex Sauv Mimosoideae

17. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosoideae

18. Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) Dc. Rubiaceae

19. Puereria phaseoloides(Rhomb.) Benth Fabaceae

20. Ruellia tuberosa L. Acanthaceae

21. Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae

22. Spermacoce latifolia Aubl. Rubiaceae

23. Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. Asteraceae

24. Tridax procumbens L. Asteraceae

105
Table 2.2 List of endemic plants in wetland areas of Chazhoor
panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific Name Family Endemic to:

1. Curcuma ecalcarata Sivar. &Indu Zingiberaceae Kerala

2. Osbeckia muralis Naud. Melastomaceae Western Ghats

106
Table 2.3 List of medicinal plants in wetland areas of Chazhoor
panchayath

Sl. No: Scientific name Medicinal use Family

1. Acalypha indica L. To treat asthma Euphorbiaceae

2. Acmella calva (DC.) R.K. Jansen Tooth ache Asteraceae

3. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. To cure Urinary tract Amaranthaceae

infection

4. Ageratum conyzoides L. Against epilepsy Asteraceae

5. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex To treat hepatitis Amaranthaceae

Dc.

6. Aniseia martinicensis (Jacq.) To treat convulsions Convolvulaceae

and epilepsy
Choisy

7. Biophytum reinwardtii (Zucc.) To cure piles Geraniaceae

Klotzsch.

8. Boerhaavia diffusa L. To reduce cholestrol Nyctaginaceae

9. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. For stiffness of snake Sapindaceae

bite

10. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. Memory enhancement Apiaceae

11. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & As antibiotic, Asteraceae

Robins. antimalarial

12. Cleome viscosa L. To cure migrain Capparidaceae

13. Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott Antibacterial, Araceae

antifungal

107
Continued ...

Sl. No: Scientific name Medicinal use Family

14. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Used as a laxative, Poaceae

coolant

15. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) To cure kidney Poaceae

Willd. disorders

16. Desmodium triflorum (L.) Dc Remedy for diarrhea Fabaceae

17. Eclipta prostata (L.) Hair tonic Asteraceae

18. Emilia sonchifolia (L.) Dc. Against cough and Asteraceae

asthma

19. Euphorbia hirta L. Respiratory ailments Euphorbiaceae

20. Grewia nervosa (Lour.) Control inflammation, Tiliaceae

G.Panigrahi for diabetes

21. Heliotropium indicum L. To treat Boraginaceae

inflammations and
tumours

22. Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff. Giving cooling effect Malavaceae

to body

23. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. For parasitical Lamiaceae

cutaneous disease

24. Justicia japonica Thumb. For asthma, cough, Acanthaceae

rheumatism

25. Kyllinga nemoralis J. R. Frust& Antivenom Cyperaceae

G. Frost.

26. Leucas aspera (L.) W.T. Aiton. Treat snake bites Lamiaceae

108
Continued ...

Sl. No: Scientific name Medicinal use Family

27. Lindernia crustata (L.)Muell. Dysentry and hepatitis Scrophulariaceae

28. Microstachys chamaelea (L.) Mull. Used for diarrhoea Euphorbiaceae

Arg.

29. Mimosa pudica L. To cure diabetes Mimosoideae

30. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Stomach ache Cucurbitaceae

31. Mussaenda frondosa L. For jaundice Rubiaceae

32. Oldenlandia corymbosa L. For fever Rubiaceae

33. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. As diuretic and for Euphorbiaceae

jaundice
&Thonn

34. Phyllanthus urinaria L. As stimulant & tonic Euphorbiaceae

35. Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. For gonorrhoea Urticaceae

& R. Br.

36. Scoparia dulcis L. To cure Kidney stones Scrophulariaceae

37. Sida acuta Burm. F. Promoting strength Malvaceae

38. Solanum torvum jacq. For head ache Solanaceae

39. Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. Used for ear ache Asteraceae

109
Classification of families according to the number of members

Sl. No: Section Families Number of families

1 Families having 12 member Asteraceae 1

2 Families having 9 member Scrophulariaceae 1

3 Families having 8 member Euphorbiaceae 1

Convolvulaceae
4 Families with 6 members 2
Leguminosae

Commenlinaceae

5 Families with 5 members Poaceae 3

Rubiaceae

6 Families with 4 member Acanthaceae 1

Amaranthaceae

7 Families with 3 members Lamiaceae 3

Malvaceae

Aizoaceae

Araceae

Boraginaceae

Capparidaceae

8 Families with 2 members Cyperaceae 9

Nymphaeaceae

Onagraceae

Pontederiaceae

Urticaceae

110
Continued ...

Sl. No: Section Families Number of families

9 Families with 1 members Cannaceae

Curcubitaceae

Geraniaceae

Lemnaceae

Lentibulariaceae

Melastomaceae

Menyanthaceae

Nyctaginaceae
16
Piperaceae

Sapindaceae

Solanaceae

Sterculiaceae

Tiliaceae

Umbelliferae

Verbinaceae

Zingiberaceae

111
 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This work is an attempt to document the wetland plants of ChazhoorPanchayath and to

prepare a brief account the taxa with a key preparation for identification.

Altogether 104 species belong to 38 families were recorded from Chazhoor Panchayath.
The study revealed that the area is composed of 104 species of wetland plants, belonging
to 83 genera and 38 families. Dicotyledons represented by 30 families 66 genera 80
species. Polypetalae represented by 14 family 19 genera and 24 species. Gamopetalae
represented by 11 family 36 genera and 46 species. The monochlamydae represented by 5
family 11 genera 15 species. Monocotyledons represented by 8 family 17 genera and 19
species.

Herbs are more prominent in the study area having a total of 81.7%. Climbers are 9.6%.
and Shrubs are 8.65% and 0.96% trees are present in the near areas. From the study it is
noticed that herbaceous plants are dominated in this area.

An attempt is also done to collect uses of wetland plants from local people. Most of the
plants used as food, fodder and medicinal.

The main problem faced by wetlands are increasing numbers of invasive plants and
weeds, heavy anthropogenic activity which reduce the agriculture leads to habitat lose
and degradation. Result in degradation of wetlands and biodiversity lose include species
extinction, changes in wetland play a number of roles in the environment, principally
water purification and flood control. Wetlands are considered to be the most biologically
diverse to all ecosystem, serving as home to wide range of plants and animal life. So, it is
essential to conserve wetlands for future.

112
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